WSoccer Falls 1-0 to UMass Dartmouth

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth women's soccer team came away with a 1-0 victory over Mitchell College on Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action at Alumni Field.

Jillian Van Ness scored the game's only goal in the 72nd minute to put the Corsairs (5-2-1 overall) on top for good. Ajyanna Jones and Michelle Miller combined for the shutout in goal, though the UMass Dartmouth defense prevented the Mariners (1-5-0 overall) from even attempting a shot on goal.

A strong effort by senior goalkeeper Kaylee Woodford kept Mitchell in the game until the final horn. She finished with a season-high 14 saves that included several tough stops.

The Corsairs held a 21-0 edge in shots in the opening half but couldn't take advantage. Their best opportunity came with less than four minutes remaining in the stanza when Shelby Friedland rocketed a shot off the crossbar. She then followed up with another attempt after the rebound, but Woodford slid in to make the save from near point-blank range.

Scoreless at the half, UMass Dartmouth continued to pressure the Mitchell defense and put shots on goal. Friedland had another great opportunity in the 63rd minute but was once again denied on a diving stop by Woodford.

The Corsairs' relentless attack finally paid dividends with less than 19 minutes remaining. Tori Pierce set up the goal with a long, flip throw-in from the left sideline that found Van Ness open in the middle of the box. Van Ness headed the pass inside the far post for the game-winning tally and her second marker of the season.

Mitchell managed a pair of shots in the final minutes but didn't challenge Butts, who replaced Jones for the entire second half. UMass Dartmouth finished with a 44-2 advantage in shots and a 10-0 edge in corner kicks.

Mitchell will next host Becker College on Saturday, September 28 at 2:30 p.m.