By Jim Fenton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University field hockey team began the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference season on a positive note.

The Bears edged Salem State University, 1-0, at rainy Mazzaferro Field on Saturday afternoon.

Junior goalkeeper Brianna Gagnon (Tewksbury, Mass.) recorded her first career victory while junior Lexi James (Ipswich, Mass.) scored her first goal of the season.

BSU (2-3 overall) now holds a 24-18-1 lead in the series with the Vikings (2-4) dating back to 1983.

The lone goal of the game came with 9:10 to go in the first half.

Freshman Samantha Souza (Dartmouth, Mass.) stickhandled inside the circle and sent a pass to the front of the cage. James collected the ball and ripped a backhander past the Salem netminder to break the scoreless tie.

James has 13 career goals, including a team-best nine last season.

The Bears held a 12-4 advantage in shots and a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.

Gagnon, making her fourth career start as a keeper after being a forward, made three stops for her first collegiate win and shutout.

Salem State sophomore Izzy Mosley (Middleboro, Mass.) was called on to make five saves.

The Bears will be on the road Wednesday for a non-conference game against Anna Maria College. The next MASCAC game is Friday night at Worcester State.

Salem State returns to action Saturday at 2 p.m., traveling to Framingham State.