HENNIKER, N.H. - Sophomore goalkeeper Estrella Michaelidis (Dedham, Mass.) recorded her fourth clean sheet of the season as the New England College women's soccer team battled to a scoreless draw against Norwich University Wednesday afternoon.
Norwich tested the NEC defense early, firing the first shot of the contest before Heidi Smith put another attempt on frame. Michaelidis was there to make the save, setting the tone for a strong defensive performance. The Cadets continued to generate chances late in the half, but Michaelidis and the Pilgrims' back line held firm. Freshman Chloe Caron (Henniker, N.H.) provided an offensive opportunity for NEC, but the Norwich defense turned away her attempt. Despite late pressure from the Cadets, the 'Grims kept the match scoreless heading into halftime.
The Cadets continued to press after the break, putting several shots on frame, but Michaelidis remained composed in net to keep the visitors off the scoreboard. NEC looked to capitalize on a Cadets' foul as senior Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.) delivered a free kick into the box that bounced around and was quickly cleared out by the Norwich defense. Freshman Ava Hudson (Springvale, Maine) nearly broke the deadlock late in the half, but Cadet's goalkeeper Sophie Olivo denied her attempt. Norwich threatened again when Sophie Guarriello sent a shot toward the goal, but junior Julianna Barrett (Orange, Conn.) came up with a crucial defensive stop for the 'Grims. Neither team found a breakthrough in the closing minutes, and the contest ended in a 0-0 draw.
The Pilgrims hit the road on Saturday to face the Mitchell College Mariners in New London, Connecticut, with a 2:00 PM start.
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