With the win, Springfield pulls it's record even at 8-8 and a 3-4 record in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), while Smith falls to 8-8 overall and 4-3 in league play. Springfield held an 18-7 advantage in shots, including an 10-2 mark in the first half, while the Pride held an 7-4 margin in penalty corners.

Kennedy broke the scoreless tie just with 12:50 remaining in the opening frame, when she took a penalty corner from Libby Hart and dished a pass to Dani Sweet, before getting the ball back and firing a shot past Tietje to put the Pride up 1-0.

Springfield gained a two-goal advantage just 5:34 later when Kennedy gained control of a pass from senior Kristina Krull at the top of the box and floated a shot into the back of the net for her team-leading 10th goal of the season to make it 2-0 with 7:16 remaining in the first half.

The Pride's defensive unit held strong throughout the remainder of the second half, fending off a flurry of chances for Smith, as Villa's shutout stood and Springfield sealed the victory.

Smith goalkeeper Cameo Tietje (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) made eight saves in the loss, while Beatrice Chaudoin (Millersville, MD/Severna Park) recorded two shots on goal.

Up next, Smith travels to Keene State Wednesday at 6:30 for their final non-conference game of the season.