Wildcats come out strong, fall in season opener

BOSTON, Mass. – Wheelock goalie Meredith Race (Marion, MA) recorded 15 saves and the defense battled tough, but it wasn’t enough as the Wildcats fell 2-0 to Western Connecticut State University in front of a large crowd Wednesday night. Sophomore Melissa Berardi (Brookfield, CT) and junior Stephanie Szafran (Killingworth, CT) each scored a goal to lead the Colonials to the victory and a 1-0 record to start the season. Wheelock falls to 0-1.

Wheelock’s performance was a vast improvement over last year’s 7-0 loss to Western Connecticut, and second year head coach Kyoungho Koh was pleased with the team’s performance.

“This was a great game for us in many ways,” Koh said, referring to last season’s match-up. “That we held them to two goals and actually picked it up to have a more offensive presence was an indication of both the talent and the courage that this team possesses.”

Szafran broke the scoreless game 15 minutes into the first period when the forward took a reflection off of Race’s goalie pads to net the goal. Teammate Berardi used the same quick hands near the end of the first period to record her first goal of the season. The Colonials outshot the Wildcats 18-0 in the first half, with Race recording eight saves for Wheelock before the break.

The Wildcats created more offensive opportunities in the second period though, creating six shots on goal. Koh feels that her team is beginning to gel, despite the lack of seniors. Four different forwards recorded shots on goal for Wheelock. Freshman Colonial goalie Heather Stone (Valhalia, NY) turned away four shots to record her first career shutout. Berardi led Western Connecticut with ten shots on goal.

Wheelock will take the field again Saturday at 11:00 when the team travels to Framingham State. The Colonials will take part in the Drew University Tournament on Saturday, taking on Cabrini at 2:00 pm.

Click here for the photo gallery from this game.