DANBURY, CT - Freshman forward Hailey Lehning (Woodbury, CT) scored the game's lone goal, in the 18th minute, and Eastern Connecticut State University held on to defeat Western Connecticut State University, 1-0 in the Little East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals at The WAC on Tuesday night.

Lehning received a pass from Tamar Merheb (Bethel, CT) from about 15 yards outside of the box and lightly re-directed the ball toward the Colonials' goal.  Western keeper Alison Rettenmeier (Sherman, CT) ventured out to the action and was not able to retreat as Lehning's shot trickled across the line.

Eastern, now 9-8-1, advanced to the LEC Semifinals and will take on top seed and defending champion University of Massachusetts Boston on Thursday, November 7 in Beantown.  UMass Dartmouth defeated Southern Maine, 2-1 in the league's other quarterfinal meeting on Tuesday.  The Corsairs will travel to Keene State College on Thursday and take on the Owls at 6 pm.  The semifinal winners will meet at the highest remaining seed on Saturday, November 9 at noon.

Western ends its season at 10-10-1.  It's offense suffered a severe scoring drought down the stretch, scoring just one goal in its last five games and extended its winless streak to four games, all by the same 1-0 outcome.

Eastern goalie Chelsea Santos (Windsor Locks, CT) earned the win in goal for the Warriors.  She mad four saves.  

Rettenmeier made five stops for the Colonials.

The Warriors have captured the LEC crown a total of four times, the most recently in 2011 while Western has won the title seven times, the last time in 2010.

PAST LITTLE EAST CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONS

2012   University of Massachusetts Boston
2011   Eastern Connecticut State University
2010   Western Connecticut State University
2009   Eastern Connecticut State University
2008   Western Connecticut State University
2007   Western Connecticut State University
2006   Western Connecticut State University
2005   Eastern Connecticut State University
2004   Keene State College
2003   Eastern Connecticut State University
2002   Keene State College
2001   Western Connecticut State University
2000   Western Connecticut State University
1999   Western Connecticut State University