NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College women's soccer team defeated neighboring Coast 1-0 to retain the Whale Cup from Nitchman Field on Wednesday night. With the win, Conn improves to 3-1 on the year, while Coast Guard falls to 1-4.

Conn started quickly, as Lucy Hurlbut (Westport, Conn.) nearly opened the score just two minutes into the contest, but her long range effort clanged off the crossbar. Coast Guard responded with the next four shots, but the Bears were unable to put any efforts on target.

With just under 15 minutes left in the half, the Camels broke the deadlock. Hurlbut again hit the crossbar with a long range shot, but this time, Mae Mastrullo (Hudson, Mass.) cleaned up the rebound to make it 1-0. Coast Guard came right back with a chance just 45 seconds later, but Maia Kafer made the save, as the Camels led 1-0 at the break.

The Bears had an early chance to even the score as Mia Forti let a shot go that banged off the right post, two and a half minutes in. Shortly after, the Camels nearly doubled the lead, but Alexa Weiner (Fairfield, Conn.) had her shot stopped by Julia Little.

Conn continued their strong play in the second half, as Hurlbut put two efforts on target that were turned away by Little. Coast Guard pushed as time was winding down looking for the equalizer. With just under nine minutes remaining, the Bears had a good look at the tying marker, but Kafer came up with the stop on a chance from Mia Carabajal-Hartog. Conn closed out the final minutes to claim the 1-0 victory.

Conn outshot Coast Guard 12-9 overall, including 5-2 on shots on goal, while both squads had two corner kicks.

Kafer picked up the win between the sticks, making two saves for the clean sheet. Mastrullo tallied the lone marker on the evening, as Hurlbut led the way with six total shots, putting two on target.

Little got the start in net for the Bears, finishing with four saves.

Conn returns to action on Saturday, as the Camels travel north to take on NESCAC foe Bowdoin at 12:00 p.m. in Brunswick, Maine.