HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team battled through rainy conditions Sunday afternoon, securing a 1-0 victory over the University of Maine – Farmington Beavers.
The Pilgrims tested the Beavers' defense early with shots from senior Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.) and junior Michelina Follis (Saugus, Mass.), but both attempts were turned away by UMF goalkeeper Roo Sawyer. The Beavers responded with an offensive push of their own, but the NEC defense held firm to deny their chances. Despite the rainy conditions, both teams continued to battle late in the opening half with Kyri Meak nearly putting the Beavers on the board with a shot, but NEC freshman goalkeeper Nicole Fitzpatrick (Woburn, Mass.) made the save to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.
NEC continued to apply offensive pressure in the second half as freshman Aubrey Thomas (Lempster, N.H.) connected with freshman Grace Houde (New Boston, N.H.) to give the Pilgrims the 1-0 lead. The Beavers countered with shots of their own, but Fitzpatrick made the saves as the 'Grims picked up the 1-0 lead.
NEC held a 15-9 advantage in shots and a narrow 7-5 edge in shots on goal. Fitzpatrick played all 90 minutes in goal for the Pilgrims, making five saves, while Sawyer recorded six saves for the Beavers.
The 'Grims continue non-conference action on the road when they travel to Buzzards Bay, Mass., to face Massachusetts Maritime Academy at 7:00 PM.
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