Women's Soccer Blanked at RIC

PROVIDENCE - The Mitchell College women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the 2010 season by a 4-0 final on Saturday afternoon at Rhode Island College.

Alexis Smith scored three goals in a 5:08 span to help lead RIC (2-0 overall) to victory in its home opener. Smith accounted for 12 of the team's 29 shots on the day as the Anchorwomen won their first two games of the season for the first time since 2006. Mitchell dropped to 2-1 overall on the season.

The pace went back and forth over the first 10 minutes as both clubs had quality chances. Mitchell freshman goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford made some brilliant stops on Smith from point-blank range. Freshman striker Caley McClendon, the Mariners' leading scorer, broke in on two occasions but wasn't able to get much on her shots.    

The game changed in the 29th minute as midfielder Mariah Gonzalez broke in from the wing. The Mitchell defense broke up the play, but the ball eventually found its way on to Smith's foot and she buried her third goal of the year from 10 yards out.

Ashley Choiniere crossed the ball to Smith in the 33rd minute for another quick strike. Just over a minute later, midfielder Libby Lazar split the defense with a pass from 30 yards, and Smith walked in for the hat trick.

Defender Alicia Lardaro lofted a perfect pass to send in Stephanie Goetz on a breakaway for the final tally. The goal, the first of her collegiate career, came in the 37th minute.

Goalkeeper Maddie Pirri was solid in net for the Anchorwomen, making five saves to earn the win (2-0). Pirri gave way to Abygayle Fisher for the final 24 minutes as the pair combined to post the shutout. Woodford was forced to make 12 saves in a losing effort.

Mitchell will next host Coast Guard on Tuesday, September 14 at 4 p.m.