The Western New England University Women's Soccer team claimed the 2022 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship on Saturday, November 5, defeating the University of New England (UNE) by a final score of 3-0. This is the Golden Bears first ever CCC title since joining the league in 2007.
"Congratulations to our Women's Soccer team and coaching staff on an amazing season and their first ever CCC Championship," said Lori Mayhew-Wood, Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Women's Administrator. "This is an amazing accomplishment to celebrate during the 50th Anniversary of Title IX. The atmosphere and support from WNE students, alumni, faculty, staff, family, and friends was outstanding."
Gabby Sansone got the scoring started for Western New England in the first half of the game after a shot attempt by Allison Bruehwiler was blocked. Sansone booted the ball into the open net to give the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead. Early in the second half, Bruehwiler's cross found Isabella Montalvo, who sent the ball past UNE's goalkeeper to put the Golden Bears up 2-0. Lindsay Reidy scored in the 70th minute from a give-and-go with fellow forward Brynn Murphy giving WNE a 3-0 lead. Molly McLaughlin finished the game with a shutout to cap off the win.
Since joining the CCC 15 years ago, Western New England has appeared in the championship twice, most recently in 2018 — falling to the University of New England. WNE got their redemption over the weekend, capturing the win over the Nor'easters to be crowned CCC Champions. The championship game took place during Friends and Family Weekend with over 1000 spectators in attendance.
"I am so proud of this team and everything they have accomplished this year. This season has been everything we could have dreamed of as a team," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Kristin Hensinger. "From spending and amazing 12 days together in Italy in August to clinching the number one seed; winning the championship is the storybook ending we have been working for."
Team Captain and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) President Danielle McCarthy shared these thoughts of gratitude, "Going to practice and games with my teammates every day makes playing soccer at WNE such a fun experience. Winning the conference has only made my experience even better. I am so proud of my team for completing that goal. I couldn't have done it without the support of this campus, my coaches, and my family."
"The crowd was monumental in our success this year, I can't thank the students, faculty, and staff enough for coming out and showing their support," added Hensinger. "To see the number of alumni that were in the stands supporting the team was an emotional moment for me and the team. As a coach, I want this experience for every one of my players; it is what we work for each season and to finally be able to see it come to fruition will forever be a highlight in my life."
Associate Director of Athletics, Jenn Kolins had high praise for the team. "The energy and atmosphere were electric as the WNE Women's Soccer Team represented the University in a first-class way in front of a sold-out crowd. Golden Bear Country is beyond proud of this team for their accomplishments both on and off the field. Their work ethic and leadership has been an inspiration, and directly correlates to reaching the tremendous achievement of winning a Conference Championship!"
See video of Selection Show as the Golden Bear Women's Soccer CCC champions learn who their opponent will be in the 2022 NCAA DIII Women's Soccer championship at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. The opening round begins on November 12th.
For game play-by-play visit https://www.wnegoldenbears.com/sports/wsoc/2022-23/releases/20221105mugyrr.
