Worcester, Mass. – Clark University got three first half goals from three different players and the host Cougars got a much-needed 3-0 win over visiting Coast Guard in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) women's soccer action on Saturday afternoon.

With the win Clark improves to 3-6-1 overall and 1-2 in league play, while the Bears have dropped four straight to slip to 1-7.

The Cougars opened scoring in the second minute when Jenna Zarou (Garden City, N.Y.) sent a corner kick into the box that Charlotte Mays (Melrose, Mass.) directed at Liz Cumberbatch (Austin, Texas) who sent it past Coast Guard keeper Devin Fellman (New Port Richey, Fla.) at the 1:20 mark.

Less than 20 minutes later, Clark was back on the scoreboard when Zarou sent a direct kick into the box that Janelle Pasternack (North Brookfield, Mass.) headed home into the upper left corner for her third goal of the season and a 2-0 Cougar advantage.

The Bears (0-3 NEWMAC) had an excellent chance to get on the board when freshman Caroline Eastman (Granby, Conn.) split a pair of Clark defenders on a long ball down the middle of the field but her shot was turned away on a diving, sliding save by Gabby Paolini (North Potomac, Md.).

Clark put the final goal on the board when Zarou blasted a direct kick from about 30 yards out that was placed perfectly in the upper right corner and out of the reach of the outstretched arms of Fellman.

Each team had great scoring chances in the final 45 minutes but neither converted. Coast Guard had Lindsay Duplessis' (Rye, N.H.) low, rolling, hooking shot make it through traffic but Paolini was able to scoop it up and keep the Bears off the board.

The Cougars' best chance came when Pasternack got around the defense on the right side but her shot banged off the post.

Paolini recorded her second career shutout, turning back seven shots, while Fellman was solid in her own right, collecting six saves.

Both teams are back in action against NEWMAC foes on Tuesday. Clark visits Babson in a rematch of last year's conference tournament quarterfinal, while the Bears visit Smith.