TROY, N.Y. - Junior Stephanie May scored the game's only goal in the second half to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Wilkes University on Saturday in its home opener at East Campus Stadium. With the win, the Engineers improve to 3-0, while the Colonels drop to 1-2.

May (Windham, NH/Central Catholic) broke the scoreless draw in the 59th minute, when she launched a shot from 25 yards that found its way just under the bar for her first goal of the season. 

The Engineers continued to put pressure on and earned one of their four corners on the day in the 72nd minute. Sophomore Maddie Steinmetz (Malvern, PA/West Chester East) found the head of junior Bethany Hanson (Fullerton, CA/Sunny Hills), but her attempt flashed just wide of the post.

Wilkes answered with its best chance on the game in the 73rd minute, as RPI freshman goalkeeper Joey Lyons (Harwood, MD/Southern) was forced to come off of her line to make a save on Colonels senior Caroline Connor (Penfield, NY/Penfield), who was in on a partial breakaway. Lyons was able to make the intial stop and the rebound was cleared away.

Ten minutes later, Wilkes drew a free kick 25 yards from goal. Freshman Delfina Bracchi (Central Islip, NY/Central Islip) bounced a shot in that Lyons turn away, but Hanson was needed to block a second opportunity from just outside the six. Back-to-back corners ensued, but RPI was able to clear the danger and hold on for the win.

Rensselaer controlled play for much of the opening frame, out-shooting Wilkes, 7-1. Senior Cori Winslow (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) had two of those attempts in the opening 25 minutes, but neither could beat Colonels senior keeper Alyssa Young (West Babylon, NY/West Babylon).

The Engineers finished with a 15-5 advantage in shots, including 5-3 in goal. Defensively, they held Wilkes without a shot until the 42nd minute and without a shot on target until Connor's break in the 73rd.

Lyons posted her third straight shutout to open the season, finishing with three saves, while Young had four at the other end of the field.

RPI returns to action next Friday, when it hosts New Paltz at East Campus Stadium (4pm). Wilkes visits William Paterson on Wednesday (7pm).

UNBEATEN
The Engineers are 3-0 for the first time since 2008. That team began the year 5-0, before finishing 6-9.

THIRD GOAL
Steph May's 59th minute tally was the third of her collegiate career.

UNBLEMISHED THROUGH THREE
RPI has started the season with three consecutive shutouts for the first time since 2000. That team lost its fourth game to Union (3-1).