WORCESTER – Junior Susannah Gray (York, ME) headed home classmate Karina Larson's (Storrs, CT) corner kick in the 85th minute to lift WPI past visiting Wheaton in a NEWMAC women's soccer matchup Saturday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.

The Engineers, who entered the contest No. 10 in the NSCAA Division III New England coaches poll, improves to 7-1-1 while Wheaton (8-1), who is receiving votes in the NSCAA national poll and is fourth on the regional list, suffers its first loss in its conference opener.

The first half saw the hosts double up Wheaton on shots (4-2) and enjoy a 3-1 margin on-goal.

WPI had a good look early in the second half as freshman Kristen McCrea (Weymouth, MA) dished off to senior Erin Bracken (Bridgewater, MA) in the 53rd minute; however, the boot was snagged by sophomore Leann Wolf (Santa Maria, CA). Just over a minute later McCrea had another bid denied by the crossbar.

Sophomore Gabi Hoops (Stonington, CT) was called upon to make one stop while Wolf halted seven

Senior Alexa Sanchez (Houston, TX) accounted for the Lyons lone shot on goal while sophomore Wendy Ireland (Chesapeake, VA) also made an attempt for the guests.

Wheaton was awarded all four corners in the first half and had a 2-1 differential in the second half.

WPI travels to Babson Tuesday for a 4pm start. Wheaton heads to Trinity for a Wednesday matchup beginning at 4pm.