HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team won their second straight game to start the season, defeating the University of Maine-Presque Isle 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at Don Melander Field in Henniker, New Hampshire. 

The Pilgrims dominated the time of possession in the first half, permitting just one shot from the Owls while playing suffocating defense to extend their early season scoreless streak.  

In the 38th minute, the offense broke through as sophomore Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.) high-pointed a perfectly placed corner kick off the foot of graduate Shelby McBain (Indianhead, Md.) and sent the header into the back of the net to jump ahead, 1-0.  

NEC started the second half right where they left off in the first, doubling their lead in the 51st minute when sophomore Michelina Follis (Saugus, Mass.) broke into the offensive zone and found McBain streaking towards the net; McBain used her right foot to send a shot into the bottom right corner of the net past the diving keeper for her first goal of the season.  

The offensive onslaught continued in the 66th minute when sophomore Abbey Keyes (Dedham, Mass.) took a pass from senior Mia Loewenberg (Milford, Conn.) and sent a scorching shot over the goalie to tally her first career goal.  

Senior Hollie Bomba (Seymour, Conn.) and the NEC defense stood tall for the remainder of the game, completing their second consecutive shutout in as many games. 

The team now turns their attention to the beginning of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play next Saturday, September 6th, against the Blue Jays of the University of Saint Joseph. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.