HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 1-0 non-conference loss to Vermont State University Castleton on Friday afternoon.
The Pilgrims recorded the first shot of the 2026 season when senior Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.) sent an attempt that went just high of the net. The Spartans quickly responded with a shot of their own that sailed wide. The two teams continued to trade chances throughout the opening half, but Castleton broke through in the closing minutes to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
NEC came out aggressively to start the second half, testing the Spartan defense with shots from junior Julianna Barrett (Orange, Conn.) and freshman Aubrey Thomas (Lempster, N.H.), but both chances were turned away the defense. The Spartans generated several chances of their own in the final minutes, but sophomore Estrella Michaelidis (Dedham, Mass.) kept the 'Grims within striking distance with several key saves. Castleton's defense held firm to secure the 1-0 victory.
Michaelidis finished the afternoon with three saves for the Pilgrims, while Spartan goalkeeper Grace Kallio recorded two saves, followed by one save from Ella Hall in relief.
The Pilgrims return to action on Saturday, when they host the University of Maine, Presque Isle at 3:00 PM on Don Melander Field.
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