Liam Naughton

Williams Holds the Top Spot: 9/26-10/2 Women’s Soccer Week In Review

Hannah Guzzi '18 lit up the scoreboard three times this weekend for Amherst (Courtesy of Amherst Athletics). — Hannah Guzzi ’18 lit up the scoreboard three times this weekend for Amherst (Courtesy of Amherst Athletics).

Editor’s Note: The NESCAC Women’s Soccer Week In Review is a new feature that we are rolling out this fall. We feel strongly that women’s sports in the NESCAC should also be covered, but unfortunately due to our current resources, we can’t cover them to the extent that we wish we could. We are going to be putting out a weekly article with updates on NESCAC Women’s Soccer action, however staff size is going to limit us to just one article each week for now. That being said, if you have ANY interest in writing (about Women’s Soccer or any of the other sports we cover) or contributing in another way, please send us an email at nothingbutnescac@gmail.com so that we can expand our coverage! For now, enjoy this week’s women’s soccer update!

Hey we’re back! another exciting weekend of NESCAC women’s soccer including one nationally ranked team being upset! So exciting! So many exclamation points! So little time!!

Tuesday, September 27th

U. of New England @ Bowdoin, Final Score: 1-0 Bowdoin

Colby @ Southern Maine, Final Score: 7-1 Colby

MIT @ Tufts, Final Score: 1-0 MIT

Eastern Connecticut @ Wesleyan, Final Score: 1-0 Eastern Connecticut

Wednesday, September 28th

Wheaton @ Trinity, Final Score: 1-2 Trinity

Keene State @ Middlebury, Final Score: 0-1 Middlebury

Friday, September 30th

Bowdoin @ MIT, Final Score: 0-1 MIT

Saturday, October 1st

Bates @ Trinity, Final Score: 0-4 Trinity

Trinity scored twice in both halves to soundly defeat the visiting Bobcats 4-0. Four different Bantams recorded goals as they thoroughly dominated the overmatched Bates team. Bates’ goalkeeper Sarah McCarthy ’18 did the best she could, saving 9 of Trinity’s 24 shots but her back line did little to protect her. Sarah Connors ’18, Taylor Kirchgessner ’19, Nicole Stauffer ’17 and Tori Dunn ’18 each netted a goal for Trinity, who scored once off a corner and three times from open play. The Trinity defense performed admirably, only conceding two shots on goal and completely stifling Bates for much of the game.

Hamilton @ Wesleyan, Final Score: 0-0 Tie

Neither team found the back of the net in this closely contested defensive affair resulting in a 0-0 draw after double overtime. The Continentals consistently peppered Wesleyan goalkeeper Zoe Cassels-Brown ’20, but could not beat her with any of their 17 shots. Wesleyan played with their backs against the wall for most of the second half as Hamilton took the offensive, but the Cardinals’ defense held firm refusing to break during the onslaught.

Middlebury @ Colby, Final Score: 3-0 Middlebury

The visiting Panthers dominated the Mules to secure a comfortable 3-0 win on Saturday. Katherine Hobbs ’17 scored in under five minutes to give Middlebury the only lead they needed as goalkeeper Kate Reinmuth ‘17 posted a clean sheet. Adrianna Gildner ‘17 scored later in the first half to extend the lead to two goals. Colby struggled to get anything going on offense, only tallying 3 shots and failing to test the Middlebury back line. Amanda Dafonte ’19 added the Panthers’ third and final goal off a rebound to seal Colby’s fate.

Tufts @ Amherst, Final Score: 3-1 Amherst

Amherst jumped out to an early two goal lead and held on for the remaining 75 minutes of action to secure a 3-1 victory over the visiting Jumbos. Amherst’s Maeve McNamara ’19 scored the first goal of the game within ten minutes, and her teammate Hannah Guzzi ’18 added to the Amherst lead heading in a corner kick. Guzzi scored again in the second half with a clinical finish off a pass from McNamara that pushed their team’s lead to 3-0. Tufts’ Taylor Koscho (’20) scored on a free kick from roughly 25 yards away to help the Jumbos avoid a shutout, but by that point, Amherst had a firm grip on the game and held on for the last 20 minutes.

Williams @ Conn College, Final Score: 1-0 Williams

In one of the most anticipated games of the week, two nationally ranked teams clashed in New London. The #2 Ephs defeated #20 Conn College 1-0 to secure their current position atop the NESCAC standings. The Camels seemed to be on the offensive for most of the game, testing Williams keeper Olivia Barnhill ’19 11 times, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Williams’ Kristi Kershe ‘17 scored the only goal of the match when she beat a defender while collecting a pass from Alison Lu ’20 before beating Conn College goalie Bryanna Montalvo ’18 with a brilliant finish.

Sunday, October 2nd

Hamilton @ Tufts, Final Score: 1-3 Tufts

Tufts rebounded from their difficult loss to Amherst on Saturday to beat the visiting Continentals 3-1. Margaret Zarah ’18 scored first for the Jumbos, finishing off of a corner late in the first half. Hamilton tied the game early in the second when Morgan Fletcher ’17 scored off a rebound, but Tufts wasted little time though in retaking the lead. Mariah Harvey-Brown ’18 scored for the Jumbos less than two minutes later, and Jess Capone ’17 extended the lead to 3-1 later in the second half to seal the deal.

Bates @ Amherst, Final Score: 0-3 Amherst

Amherst notched their second blowout victory of the weekend, defeating the visiting Bobcats at home. Amherst scored in under a minute when Emily Hester ’17 finished a perfect cross from Delancey King ’18. The L*** J**** scored again in the 10th minute when Hannah Guzzi ’18 found the back of the net for her third goal of the weekend. Rubii Tamen ’19 scored Amherst’s third and final goal, knocking in a rebound after Guzzi again tested the Bates keeper Sarah McCarthy ’18. Amherst thoroughly dominated the game, constantly attacking Bates’ backline and firing 15 shots on goal, 10 more than the Bobcats could muster up during the match.

Williams @ Castleton, Final Score: 8-0 Williams

Player of the Week: Olivia Barnhill ‘19 (Williams)

To prove I’m not some soccer plebeian who only gets excited for goals and Garreth Bale’s hair I’m awarding this week’s player of the week award to a player who literally never scores (well maybe she does, but it’s definitely unusual). The player of the week this week in Williams goal keeper Olivia Barnhill ’19. The sophomore keeper racked up 11 saves helping to preserve Williams’ undefeated conference record and knock off the nationally ranked Conn College Camels. Barnhill, and the entire Williams defense, shined in the game, bending but refusing to break as Conn College attacked again and again. This is an especially noteworthy feat considering Conn College racked up 6 goals just a week ago in two victories. This is the type of defensive intensity and skill that wins championships, but I won’t jinx Williams yet by picking them as my title favorite.

Week In Review, 9/19-9/25: NESCAC Women’s Soccer

Caroline Kelleher '18 had a hat tricker against Hamilton this weekend to help extend the #22 Camels' win streak to 7 games (Courtesy of Conn College Athletics). — Caroline Kelleher ’18 had a hat tricker against Hamilton this weekend to help extend the #22 Camels’ win streak to 7 games (Courtesy of Conn College Athletics).

Editor’s Note: The NESCAC Women’s Soccer Week In Review is a new feature that we are going to be rolling out this fall. We feel strongly that women’s sports in the NESCAC should also be covered, but unfortunately due to our current resources, we can’t cover them to the extent that we wish we could. We are going to be putting out a weekly article with updates on NESCAC Women’s Soccer action, however staff size is going to limit us to just one article each week for now. That being said, if you have ANY interest in writing (about Women’s Soccer or any of the other sports we cover) or contributing in some way, please send us an email at nothingbutnescac@gmail.com so that we can expand our coverage! For now, enjoy this week’s women’s soccer update!

Hey guess what! Nothing but NESCAC is expanding! Starting with this article, we’ll begin providing weekly updates on all the goings on in NESCAC women’s soccer. I’m Liam Naughton, an accomplished FIFA player and 3rd grade travel soccer MVP, but enough about me. Let’s dive into this past week.

Wednesday, September 21st

Wesleyan @ Tufts, Final Score: 0-0 tie

A mid-week matchup between the Jumbos and the Cardinals ended in a grueling 0-0 draw after two overtimes. Tufts held a decisive shot advantage testing the Wesleyan defense 17 times, while the visitors only managed to spray 8 shots towards Tufts’ net. Of course, the best opportunity of the game came in the 99th minute for Wesleyan when Tufts’ goal keeper Emily Bowers ’19 was forced to make a diving save off a shot from Sarah Sylla ’17 of Wesleyan. After a slow first half in which the Jumbos were stifled by Wesleyan’s intense pressure, Tufts took control more in the second half, but just weren’t able to convert any of their chances into goals. Tufts, who so far have not lost in NESCAC competition will look to build off this game in the coming weeks.

Castleton @ Middlebury, Final Score: 3-1 Middlebury

Conn College @ Coast Guard, Final Score: 2-0 Conn College

Thursday, September 22nd

Emerson @ Trinity, Final Score: 0-3 Trinity

Saturday, September 24th

Bowdoin @ Middlebury, Final Score: 1-0 Bowdoin
The Bowdoin Polar Bears visited the Middlebury Panthers this past weekend and escaped with a hard fought 1-0 win. Middlebury’s aggressive and potent offense (averaging over 2 goals a game this season) was unable to beat Bowdoin goalie Rachel Stout ’18. Adrianna Gildner ’17 provided two of Middlebury’s best opportunities, attempting a bicycle kick early in the first half that flew by the post, and testing Stout on a free kick late in the first half. Despite Gildner’s efforts, it was Bowdoin’s Anna Mellman ’17 who slotted home the game’s only goal, beating Panther goalie Ursula Alwang ’20 with a cracking shot from nearly 35 yards away.

Connecticut College @ Hamilton, Final Score: 3-0 Conn College

Conn College ran over Hamilton in this early season match, besting the host Continentals by a score of 3-0. The Camels (ranked 22nd nationally) relied on the foot of junior midfielder Caroline Kelleher ’18 who scored 3 goals in the match. Conn College began attacking early, Kelleher notching her first goal 5 minutes into the match and her second 13 minutes later. Kelleher then scored her third goal 5 minutes into the second half, demonstrating her dominance. Hamilton forward Amanda Becker ’18 tested Conn College goalie Bryanna Montalvo ’17 twice, but neither she nor any of her teammates were able to best the senior goalie.

Wesleyan @ Bates, Final Score: 2-2 tie

The Bobcats scored two goals in quick succession in the second half to force a draw between themselves and the visiting Wesleyan Cardinals. Wesleyan had jumped out to an early lead behind a penalty kick from Nicole Brodkowitz ’20 after only 11 minutes of action. Wesleyan further extended their lead after Sarah Sylla ’17 scored 10 minutes into the second half. Bates scored consecutive goals in the 83rd and 84th minutes. First, Olivia Amdur ’19 rifled a shot by Wesleyan keeper Zoe Cassels-Brown ’20. Amdur was assisted on her goal Hannah Behringer ’18 who scored herself a minute later off a well worked set piece.

Colby @ Trinity, Final Score: 1-3 Trinity

Trinity scored early and often and cruised past the visiting Colby Mules 3-1. The Bantams flashed a balanced scoring attack, getting goals from Taylor Kirchgessner ’19, Laura Nee ’17, and Sarah Connors ’18 in the 13th, 27th, and 33rd minutes respectively. Colby seemed to be on their backfoot for most of the game, mustering only 5 total shots on target. Only one shot managed to find the back of the net for the Mules as Emily Martin ’18 scored off of an assist from Laura Arnold ’18 two minutes into the second half.

Williams @ Amherst, 1-1 tie

In the 2nd double overtime game of the weekend, Williams and Amherst drew 1-1. Williams, who has not lost yet this season, fell behind early after Amherst scored on a beautiful run and finish by Hannah Guzzi ’18. Williams refused to go down easily, constantly pressuring Amherst’s defense to the tune of 22 shots and sheer domination in terms of possession. Only one shot managed to beat Amherst keeper Chelsea Cutler ’19 though, which came via the foot of Williams’ Kristina Alvarado ’18. Alvarado managed to score on a quality finish after an errant clearance by the Amherst backline. After a scoreless two periods of overtime, the match ended in a draw.

Brandeis @ Tufts, Final Score: 1-1 tie

Sunday, September 25th

Middlebury @ Hamilton, Final Score: 1-0 Middlebury

Middlebury rebounded from their difficult defeat Saturday to beat Hamilton 1-0. Middlebury was on the attack for most of the game, attempting 14 shots and winning 6 corner kicks. But Hamilton’s back line would bend but refused to break, until less than 10 minutes remained in regulation. Katherine Hobbs ’17 continued her season of great form scoring her fourth goal of the season. After winning possession off a corner kick, Hobbs quickly finished the shot and secured Middlebury’s second win in the conference this season.

Colby @ Connecticut College, 0-3 Conn College

Conn College continued their weekend of domination, defeating the Colby mules by a score of 3-0. Colby remained winless in the conference falling to 0-4 and played on their back foot for most of the game. The low point of the game certainly came when Colby scored an own goal after a well placed cross from Alex Baltazar ’19. Conn College has yet to lose in the conference this season and looked utterly dominant throughout the weekend, scoring 6 goals and allowing 0. Michelle Medina ’18 and Livi Block ’18 scored the remaining goals for the Camels, beating Colby keeper Samantha Rizzo ’19, who put up a valiant fight in a losing effort, saving 7 shots.

Williams @ Bates, 2-0 Williams

Williams bounced back from their draw with Amherst to defeat the hosting Bates Bobcats 2-0. Alison Lu ’20 scored her 5th goal of the season, using her head to control a pass from Kristin Kirshe ’17 and then driving the shot past the keeper. Kirshe added her own goal in the second half, beating Bobcats’ goalie Sarah McCarthy ’18 off a pass from Lu. Williams remains undefeated in the conference improving to 4-0-1, while Bates remained winless at 0-4-1. All eyes will be on Williams next weekend when they meet fellow unbeaten Conn College in New London, Connecticut.

Farmingdale State @ Amherst, Final Score: 1-3 Amherst

Player of the Week

This weeks player of the week goes to Conn College’s Caroline Kelleher ’18. The junior from Holden, Massachusetts scored all three of her teams goals against Hamilton and led the Camels to their 3-0 victory. These were Kelleher’s first three goals of the season, but her coaches surely hope that this is a sign of things to come, as another threat would do nothing but elevate Conn College’s already deadly attacking play.