WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Senior forward Brittney Smith (Stratford, Conn./Bunnell) scored the only goal of the game 65 seconds into the second half and freshman Grace Kraemer (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) made the goal stand up with her first collegiate shutout as the Valiant women's soccer team got the 2012 season started with a 1-0 win over Saint Joseph (Conn.) on day one of the Warrior Classic, hosted by Eastern Connecticut State on Friday night at the Mansfield Complex.
 
The Valiant forward tandem of Smith and freshman Christie DeMarco (Valley Stream, N.Y./Valley Stream South) combined for the lone goal of the game, also took six of Manhattanville's 12 shots on the afternoon. Early in the second half, the pair executed a give-and-go, with Smith burying a one-touch ball behind keeper Ashley Hebert to put the Valiants ahead for good.
 
Kraemer and a stingy Manhattanville defense made that lead hold, as the freshman was needed to make only two stops to record the shutout in her collegiate debut. The Valiants also held the Blue Jays to only one blocked shot over the final 28 minutes of the match, making Kraemer's life easier and allowing the squad to emerge victorious in the season-opener.
 
For the match, Manhattanville held a slight 12-11 edge in shots, while trailing the corner kick battle by a 4-2 margin.
 
Manhattanville (1-0-0) will return to action at the Warrior Classic tomorrow, as the Valiants take on Fitchburg State beginning at 4:30 p.m.