MANSFIELD, Conn. – Rhode Island College had lost its previous eight meetings against Eastern Connecticut and was looking for its first win on the Warriors' home turf in 23 years, but those streaks were snapped Wednesday night as the Anchorwomen handed the Warriors a 2-1 Little East Conference loss at Rick McCarthy Field.

Despite being ranked seventh in the LEC pre-season poll, Rhode Island (7-1-1, 3-0-0 LEC) is off to a red-hot start under second-year head coach Phil Pincince, a veteran college soccer coach whose team has been infused with 16 freshmen and sophomores. Eastern (3-4-1, 0-2-1 LEC) lost for the first time in three home matches and had a modest three-game unbeaten (2-0-1) streak ended.

Two of the three goals in the match came on penalty kicks (one by each team), with both of the visitors' goal coming in the first six minutes, and just four minutes apart.

Rhode Island College jumped out to an early lead when an Eastern foul in the box led to a penalty kick less than two minutes into the game. Junior midfielder Marissa Ruzzana buried it into the back of the net for her fourth goal of the year to give RIC the 1-0 lead. Just four minutes later,  RIC scored again when a crossing pass from sophomore Tayshia Cary found junior Tayla Salome for her fourth goal of the year.

Eastern more than doubled RIC's shot total (15-7) and the defense surrendered only one corner kick, but the Warriors could not break through during the run of play against junior keeper Chloe Angelone, who made seven saves and gave up only a penalty kick goal by Eastern junior Briley Harnois (Attleboro, MA) with just under three minutes remaining. Last year's leader in goals and points, Harnois scored her first goal of the season.

The Warriors, who have scored seven of their season total of ten goals in two of its wins, had numerous close opportunities in the game. In the 16^th minute, a header by graduate Grace Muller (Johnston, RI) off a corner kick missed just high. Eastern's final scoring opportunity in the first half came on a free kick by junior Hailey Cocca (Stratford) but  Angelone made an outstanding save to preserve her shutout.

With Eastern trailing by two in the 29^th minute, first year goalkeeper Kaeden Dublin (Maple Grove, MN) made a diving save to keep the Warriors from near-extinction.

Eastern had more opportunities in the second half, the closest of which on a free kick which sailed just high off the foot of junior transfer Mia DeMartino (Tolland). Last week's LEC Offensive Player-of-the-Week and USC Player-of-the-Week, sophomore Katelyn Herbert (Bethpage, NY) added a shot on goal in the 86^th minute but Angelone was able to knock the opportunity away.

Dublin and senior Emily Wallace (Smithtown, NY) split time in net, each making two saves, with Dublin losing her second match in four decisions.
Eastern visits VTSU Castleton in a conference match Saturday at 2 p.m. Castleton was ranked fourth in the LEC pre-season poll, Eastern fifth. The Spartans eliminated Eastern in the first round of last year's LEC playoff with a 2-1 overtime victory at Dave Wolk Stadium.