HENNIKER, N.H.—Sophomore forward Lexi Dean (Schenectady, N.Y./Mohonasen) scored in the 77th minute and sophomore goalie Gabby Hobika (New Hartford, N.Y./New Hartford) stopped six shots as the SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (4-0) edged New England College (1-3) 1-0 on Friday afternoon. The 4-0 stretch matches the second best start in program history.

The teams battled evenly in the first half, firing six shots apiece with several good opportunities. Hobika stopped three shots, while Kayla Pugliese turned aside four for NEC. Pressure from the Pilgrims generated three corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes, but the Bears went without. The contest was scoreless at the break.

Potsdam turned up the heat in the second half, though it took a while to pay off. The Bears outshot NEC 11-6 and but needed three more saves from Hobika to keep the game even. Potsdam's momentum earned the team four corners in the second half. Finally, at the 76:53 mark, Dean split two defenders and drove the ball into the back of the net for her third goal of the season. Two minutes later, Hobika shut down a chance from Emily LePage and the Bears didn't allow another shot on goal the rest of the way.

Pugliese finished with four saves. Potsdam outshot NEC 17-12, but the Pilgrims edged the Bears 5-4 in corner kicks.

Tomorrow, the Bears face Wentworth for the first time in program history at 2:30 p.m. to take a shot repeating as NEC Tourney champs.