Endicott Edges Women’s Soccer 1-0 in CCC Quarterfinals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The fourth-seeded Western New England University women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss in double overtime to fifth-seeded Endicott College on Saturday afternoon in the quarterfinal round of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Tournament at Suprenant Field.

With the win, Endicott (10-7-1) moves on to the CCC semifinals to take on top-seeded Gordon College on Wednesday in Wenham, Mass. Western New England's season ends at 8-10-2.

Top Performers
Endicott junior midfielder Jaymie Caponigro (Swampscott, Mass.) scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the second overtime period. Caponigro led all student-athletes with five shots on goal.

Western New England senior goalkeeper Alex Lemekha (Stamford, Conn.) was outstanding in her final collegiate contest, finishing with nine saves.

Game Review
Despite Endicott holding an 11-5 advantage in shots in the first half, Lemekha kept the Gulls off the scoreboard with six saves over the opening 45 minutes of play.

The second half also passed without a goal as Lemekha and Endicott senior goalkeeper Kayla Wentworth (Taunton, Mass.) made three and two saves, respectively.

Following a scoreless opening overtime period, the Gulls were awarded a penalty kick 1:17 into the second extra frame after a Western New England player was whistled for a handball in the box. Caponigro converted her attempt to break the 0-0 deadlock and lift Endicott to the semifinal round.

Notes
• Endicott outshot Western New England 20-12 and held a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.
• The Gulls and Golden Bears have met in the CCC Tournament five times, with Endicott holding a 4-1 advantage in the postseason series.