MANSFIELD, Conn. – The Eastern Connecticut State University women's lacrosse team held Rhode Island College to just one goal after allowing the first goal of the game and went on to a 13-2 victory in the Little East Conference opener for both teams Saturday afternoon at the Mansfield Outdoor Complex. It was Eastern's first home win after two losses.

At right: Tess Mraz skies above Rhode Island defenders Cassy Arines (6) and Sara Stone (18) in the second half of Saturday's Little East opener. (Photo by Heather Avery)

Eastern (2-6, 1-0 Little East) freshman goalie Taylor Emmerson (Colchester) made nine saves and shut out Rhode Island (3-2, 0-1 Little East) over the final 37-plus minutes, making six saves in blanking the visitors on  16 second-half shots.

Leading 4-2 halfway through the first half, the Warriors scored the final nine goals of the match – two coming on extra-man opportunities and one while playing a man down. Freshmen scored the team's final four goals over the final 17 minutes, the first of their careers. Karen Trescott (Somers) scored twice, Devyne Doran (South Kingstown, RI) once and Nicole Scinto (Stratford) once in that final stretch.

Junior Lauren Maisano was credited with both of Rhode Island's goals as Eastern's defense was able to limit RIC scoring leaders Danielle Landon and Jessica Ricci to a combined one assist. Ricci scored 56 goals a year ago, leading the conference in goals per match (4.00). The Anchorwomen also came up empty on eight free-position attempts.

Senior Ashley Wolk (Barrington, RI) and junior Meg Eremita (South Windsor) each scored three goals for Eastern, with senior Erin Conn (Moriches, NY) adding two goals and two assists.  She also won three draws and came up with four ground balls. Freshman Paige Schneider (East Lyme)  -- who entered play sharing the team lead in goals -- left the game with injury with 19 minutes left in the first half and did not return.

Sophomore Ashley Alardi and freshman Sara Stone each won four ground balls for Rhode Island, and Landon claimed three draws.

Eastern hosts Wellesley College Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.