HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponent Simmons University on Saturday afternoon. Prior to kickoff, the Pilgrims honored seniors Kalie Villagomez (Wichita, Kan.), Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.), and Alyssa Butler (Irasburg, Vt.).
The 'Grims struck first in the opening half after junior Michelina Follis (Saugus, Mass.) was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty kick. Follis calmly placed her attempt in the bottom-left corner of the net to give NEC an early 1-0 advantage. Simmons responded 10 minutes later when Molly Belfiore found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1. The Sharks then took the lead midway through the opening half. Freshman Grace Houde (New Boston, N.H.) looked to level the score before the break, but her shot was blocked by the Simmons defense as the Sharks carried a 2-1 lead into halftime.
NEC continued to apply pressure in the second half, with shots from Bowman and Follis narrowly missing the net. Simmons later converted on a penalty kick to extend its advantage to 3-1. The 'Grims continued to battle, with freshman goalkeeper Nicole Fitzpatrick (Woburn, Mass.) making several saves. Freshman Ava Hudson (Springvale, Maine) and Houde each looked to cut into the Sharks' lead with shots, but Simmons goalkeeper Mikaedla Maria Javar turned both attempts aside. Simmons continued to generate offensive pressure in the closing minutes and held on for the 3-1 victory. Fitzpatrick finished the afternoon with eight saves while Lauren Sanchez and Javar finished with two and four saves, respectively.
The 'Grims hit the road Wednesday, October 7th to face in-state foe Colby-Sawyer at Sally Shaw Veitch Field with kickoff set for 4:00 PM.
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