The senior striker was the difference maker in the Blue Devils’ opener, scoring the match’s lone goal as CCSU defeated A10 rival UMass on Sunday at home. Pearse connected off a Roma McLoughlin assist inside the box in the 17th minute, and it was enough to fuel CCSU to a 1-0 victory. It was Pearse’s 11th career goal and sixth career game-winner. With the victory, CCSU has won three of its last four season openers, including shutouts of UMass in each of the last two years.