TROY, N.Y. – Springfield College recorded two goals in the first half and held off a second half charge to defeat Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 2-1, in non-conference women's soccer action on Wednesday.  The Pride improves to 9-4-0 on the season, while the Engineers drop to 4-7-1, shouldering their fifth loss of the season by just a one-goal margin.

Springfield sophomore Erica Donnelly (Weymouth, MA) got things started in the 16th minute after she corralled a pass off the foot of Ashley McFarlane (Ludlow, MA) and took a shot from 18-yards out. RPI keeper Stephanie Vargas (Fogelsville, PA/Allentown Central Catholic) made the original save, but lost control of the ball on the tip as it rolled in.

The Pride added to its lead in the 34th minute as junior Jen Jahoda (Lebanon, CT) came down the right flank and connected on a cross from the middle by senior Brittany Collins (Vernon, CT). Vargas came out to the corner of the box to play it, but Jahoda's shot went high and sailed in for the second goal.

Rensselaer got one back late in the half as rookie Rachel Tietzen (Kelowna, BC/Kelowna Secondary School) scored her first career goal in the 45th minute. Classmate Sara Rothschild (Manlius, NY/Fayetteville-Manlius) earned the assist after she came up the near side and crossed to Tietzen in the middle, who made the easy put in from four yards out.

In the second half of action, the homestanding Engineers came out with intensity, controlling play for the majority of the stanza as they held a 3-1 shot advantage. Rensselaer's Catherine Harvey (Portland, OR/Liberty) had two of the best opportunities, her first coming in the 85th minute after she headed the ball toward the Springfield net, but the shot was quickly scooped up by keeper Erin Greenstein (Framingham, MA).

Harvey's shot minutes later also came off a header, but the Engineers were ruled offsides to give possession back to the Pride. RPI continued to pressure late in the game, but Springfield held the ball close, allowing the time to wind down.

Greenstein finished with three saves for the Pride to improve to 9-4-0 on the season. RPI's Vargas did not have any saves in the first 45 minutes. She was replaced by freshman Deanna Amoia (Tappan, NY/Old Tappan) in the second half, who also had zero saves.

The Engineers back in action next Tuesday when they host MCLA at East Campus Stadium. Game time is set for 7pm. Springfield is in action on Saturday, hosting Wheaton at 1pm.