BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. - The New England College women's soccer team picked up a 1-0 road win over the Mass. Maritime Buccaneers on Wednesday evening.
The teams traded chances throughout the opening half, battling to break through and find the game's first goal. Senior Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.) and junior Michelina Follis (Saugus, Mass.) each looked to put the 'Grims on the board, but their attempts were stopped by Buccaneers goalkeeper Mariana Lefco. Mass. Maritime responded with scoring opportunities of its own, but sophomore goalkeeper Estrella Michaelidis (Dedham, Mass.) stood strong in goal, making the saves to keep the game scoreless. NEC finally broke through in the 38th minute, when junior Abbey Keyes (Dedham, Mass.) found the back of the net to give the Pilgrims a 1-0 lead.
NEC continued to apply offensive pressure early in the second half, firing a series of shots that were turned away by the MMA defense. The Buccaneers responded with scoring chances of their own, searching for the equalizer, but Michaeldis stood strong in goal to preserve the 'Grims one-goal advantage late in the frame. NEC continued to create chances and fire shots, but the Mass. Maritime defense held firm to keep the 'Grims from extending their lead, but NEC secured the 1-0 road victory.
Keyes recorded her first goal of the season, while Michaelidis turned in a strong performance in net with nine saves. Lefco finished the evening with six saves for the Buccaneers.
The 'Grims hit the road Saturday, traveling to Franklin, Mass., to take on conference opponent Dean College. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM at Grant Field.
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