HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team picked up their first win of the 2026 season, defeating the University of Maine-Presque Isle 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Don Melander Field.
The defenses dominated the majority of the first half, until Leah Hebert scored on the Owls' first shot of the game in the 37th minute. The Pilgrims' defense was able to hold UMPI to just that one shot for the entire rest of the match.
NEC scored their first goal of the season in the 43rd minute, when freshman Ava Hudson (Springvale, Maine) stole an opposing pass, dribbled around three defenders, and then scored her first career goal to tie the game heading into halftime.
Both defenses were once again up to the task in the second half as the score remained tied until the 69th minute, when senior Madison Bowman (Coventry, Vt.) nailed a header from a corner kick taken by Hudson for the Pilgrims' eventual game-winning goal.
UMPI goalkeeper Michaela Carney recorded six saves in the match, but it was not enough as NEC won by a score of 2-1.
The Pilgrims return to action on Wednesday, when they host Vermont State University – Lyndon at 3:00 PM on Don Melander Field.
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