Women's Soccer Stumbles in Season Opener at RIC

PROVIDENCE - The Mitchell College women's soccer team played its first game of the 2012 season on Saturday, falling 5-0 to Rhode Island College at RIC Soccer Field.

Lauren Maisano notched a goal and two assists to pace RIC. The Anchorwomen controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting Mitchell (0-1 overall), 26-4, en route to their first shutout win since September 3, 2011 when they blanked Thomas College, 2-0. The victory also snapped a 17-game losing streak for Rhode Island College (1-1 overall).

RIC struck first in the eighth minute when Gabrielle Turner found Danielle Peloquin with a crisp one-touch pass for her second goal of the season. Moments later, Rhode Island College found the back of the net once again after Maisano dished to Turner for the score in the 10th minute to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

The onslaught continued for the Anchorwomen in the 37th minute as Megan Saucier capitalized on a ball that was misplayed by freshman goalkeeper Diamond Thomas. After the ball ricocheted off Thomas, Saucier corralled the loose ball and sniped one past the Mariners' netminder to put RIC up 3-0.

Rhode Island College tacked on one more goal in the first half after Maisano found Saucier with a picture perfect crossing pass from the corner. Saucier then dished it in front of the net to Johnna Magiera, who chipped it past Thomas to give the hosts a four-goal lead.

The Anchorwomen added one more goal in the second half to round out the scoring when Maisano laced a free kick past Thomas to make it 5-0. Cassy Arines and Lauren Bartlett each finished with assists for RIC, while Bartlett spearheaded the attack with excellent effort at both ends of the field. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Audrey Maia earned the victory in net, making two saves along the way. Meanwhile, Thomas stopped 10 shots in her collegiate debut. Junior goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford missed the game due to a preseason injury.

Mitchell will next host Coast Guard on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m.