The Maritime College women's soccer team opened up the Maritime Cup with a big 3-2 win over Massachusetts Maritime. The Privateers led 2-0 late in the second half, and withstood a furious comeback attempt from the Buccaneers as MacKenzie Fabiani (Bayport, N.Y./Bayport-Blue Point) scored the game-winner in the 87th minute.

"Obviously we don't want to be in a situation where we give up a lead like that," said head coach Stefanie May. "However, I'm really happy with how the team kept their focus and was able to pull out the win."

Brianna Etienne (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City) opened up the scoring for Maritime in the 25th minute as she got her own rebound off a shot deflected by the crossbar and put it into the back of the net. Etienne's goal gave the Privateers a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Entering the second half, Gayle Woods (East Greenbush, N.Y./Columbia) netted her third goal of the season after a foul inside the box gave the Privateers a penalty kick. Unfortunately, less than four minutes later Maritime returned the favor and Mass. Maritime brought it back to a one goal game after a penalty kick. The Buccaneers kept the momentum going as they evened up the game at two just three minutes later.

Despite the clear momentum shift, the Privateers remained calm and Fabiani was able to secure the win with the game-winning goal in the 87th minute off a pass from Anya Joseberger (Coxsackie, NY/Coxsackie-Athens).

Control of possession was pretty even throughout the game as Maritime edged out Mass. Maritime in shots 15-12, while the Buccaneers took a 5-3 advantage in penalty kicks. The 2-0 start to the season already matches last season's win total for the Privateers and they will look to keep the winning ways going tomorrow afternoon against the host, Maine Maritime.