HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team played its first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) game of the season to a draw, 0-0, against the University of Saint Joseph on Saturday afternoon.
Each team alternated a total of seven shots for the first 15 minutes of the opening half, as freshman Grace Houde (New Boston, N.H.), junior Abbey Keyes (Dedham, Mass.), and junior Michelina Follis (Saugus, Mass.) combined for four of them. The Blue Jays ended the first half with eight shots. Six of them were saved by Sophomore Estrella Michaelidis (Dedham, Mass.), including a prevention where she had to jump at 30:08.
In the second half, the Blue Jays' defense was able to hold the Pilgrims to just three shots. The best chance for Saint Joseph to score came at 75:39, after Ella Braccialarghe received a beautiful pass that got through two defenders, but Michaelidis reacted quickly to make the save off the shot.
Michaelidis ended the match with a career-high 11 saves, while the Blue Jays' goalkeeper, Madison Corcoran, made five.
The Pilgrims return to Don Melander Field tomorrow for a non-conference duel against the University of Maine - Farmington at 1:00 PM.
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
