TROY, N.Y. - The Western Connecticut State women's soccer teams scored a goal on either side of halftime in topping Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 2-0, on Friday afternoon in the season opener for both teams at Renwyck Field.

Senior Andrew DeVoe (Farmingdale, CT/Farmingdale) got the scoring started in the 36th minute, she lofted a ball home from distance, catching RPI senior goalkeeper Tori Riopelle (Ashburn, VA/Briar Woods) off guard. 

The Colonials took that 1-0 advantage into the break, along with a 10-6 edge in shot attempts.

Western Connecticut doubled its lead early in the second half, when junior Allison Oakley (Beekman, NY/Arlington) finished from just outside the six yard box, off a cross by senior Autumn Sorice (Bethel, CT/Bethel). 

Rensselaer picked up its play after conceding the second goal, but could not find a way past Colonials senior Jillian Fernandez (Columbia, CT/Windham), who made five saves for the shutout. Senior Dali Alarian (Folsom, CA/Vista del Lago) paced RPI with five shots, including two on target.

Sophmore Emily Kaplan (Smithtown, NY/Hauppauge) steered a header off the cross bar in the 70th minute, off a corner by classmate Alexis Castrellon (Conroe, TX/Battlefield).

The Engineers best chance came in the 77th minute, when senior Stephanie May (Windham, NH/Central Catholic) saw her shot tipped off the right post and out by Fernandez. 

Riopelle (0-1) made eight saves for the Engineers, who return to action tomorrow afternoon against Farmingdale State (1:30pm). West Conn faces Buffalo State tomorrow morning (11:30am).