Women's Soccer Wins Season Opener

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College women's soccer team opened the 2011 season with a 2-0 victory over Rhode Island College on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

Freshman Madeline Crow scored both goals to make her collegiate debut a memorable one, and sophomore goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford made seven saves en route to the shutout.

Mitchell (1-0-0 overall) got on the scoreboard in the 15th minute on an unassisted effort by Crow. The Mariners played a ball into the box but failed to finish, and the clear attempt by a Rhode Island defender came out to Crow just outside the 18-yard box. She lofted a shot that snuck under the crossbar and just over the keeper's outstretched arms for her first career goal.

Mitchell led 1-0 at the halftime intermission and wasted little time extending the margin in the second stanza. Senior Leslie Briggs set up the scoring chance from the right side, dribbling the ball toward goal along the end line before sending a cross in front of the goal. Classmate Nikki Hoxie slid but couldn't connect with the ball at the near post, but Crow got a clean look at it on the backside of the play and buried it for her second tally of the contest.

The Anchorwomen (2-2-0 overall) kept up their attack with hopes of cutting the deficit in half. Lauren Maisano made several nice runs up the right sideline before crossing the ball into the box, but Rhode Island was never able to capitalize on the opportunities. Goalkeeper Abygayle Fisher finished the game with three saves.

Mitchell returns to action at Coast Guard on Wednesday, September 14 at 7 p.m.