CORTLAND, N.Y.—SUNY Cortland (3-3-4, 1-0-2 SUNYAC) gained momentum with an early goal en route to a 3-0 SUNYAC victory over the visiting SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (3-6-1, 0-2) on Friday afternoon.

The Red Dragons jumped out in front just 4:14 in the contest as Emma Whittle headed home a free kick from Rebecca Carucci. Cortland controlled the play territorial for the half, but only managed one other shot on goal. Potsdam was stymied offensively in the first period as the teams entered the break at 1-0.

Sophomore midfielder Jess Sterns (Henrietta, N.Y./Rush-Henrietta) gave the Bears their first chance nearly three minutes into the second half, but Red Dragon goalie Rachel Axt made the stop. In the 66th minute, Samantha Gardner put Cortland up 2-0 on a free kick from 20 yards out. About nine minutes later Kelly Knight wrapped up the scoring with the Red Dragon's third goal of the contest with a helper from Krista Conzo for a three-goal advantage.

Freshman goalkeeper Michaela Cole (Parishville, N.Y./Parishville-Hopkinton) finished with four saves for Potsdam, while Axt stopped one shot to earn the shutout.

The Bears are back in action tomorrow, when they head to Oswego State for a 1 p.m. battle.