BABSON PARK, Mass. – Freshman Marcie Iannico scored the game-winning goal midway through the second half as the JWU (Providence) women's soccer team opened the 2024 season with a 3-2 win at Babson College Friday afternoon in non-conference action at Hartwell-Rogers Field.

Senior Emily DeRoehn and freshman Rowan Garr also scored for the Wildcats (1-0-0), who were outshot 13-7 on the afternoon by a Beavers squad which won 12 matches one year ago and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Senior Leah Bragaw recorded four saves while senior Skyla Landry, sophomore Lulani Haslinger, and freshman Kyla Leahy all racked up assists for the visitors.

JWU opened the scoring 8:36 into the match when senior and reigning Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Defensive Player of the Year Emily DeRoehn scored her 27th career goal. After the Beavers (0-1-0) tied the match in the 34th minute, Garr knocked in a pass from Leahy to put the Wildcats back in front by one with 1:03 remaining in the first half.

Iannico extended the JWU lead to 3-1 with a marker at 67:41 before a goal with less than 90 seconds remaining by Babson capped the scoring.

Sophomore and reigning GNAC Rookie of the Year Sophia Warburton led the Wildcats with two shots.