WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – The Little East Conference leader in assists as a freshman in 2013, Celia DeVoe proved that she can score goals as well. Saturday, her free kick from the top of the box midway through the first half stood up as Western Connecticut State University edged Eastern Connecticut State University on the opening weekend of conference play at Thomas Nevers Field.

At right: Michele D'Agata

The loss ends Eastern's (4-2-1) four-match unbeaten streak and is Western's (4-4-0) fourth triumph in its last six matches and its second away from home against three losses.

Western freshman keeper Jillian Fernandez needed only two saves to record her second shutout in eight starts, even her record at 4-4-0, and lower her goals-against average to 1.39.

Western held an 11-4 advantage in shots in the match. Celia and freshman Andrea DeVoe combined to take four early shots – Eastern freshman keeper Katie Dadio (Hamden) saving one of them in her second career start – before Celia DeVoe broke through for her first goal of the season, fifth of her 29-game career.

Eastern managed only one shot until late in the first half, when Fernandez was called upon for her only save of the half on a shot by Eastern freshman Michele D'Agata (West Suffield).

It marks the sixth time in the last eight meetings that the teams have played to a 1-0 decision, Eastern winning four times, including one in the first round of last year's LEC playoffs in Danbury.

Eastern visits Wesleyan University Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in a Little East Conference match.