Women's Soccer Holds Off Eastern Nazarene

NEW LONDON, Conn. -- The Mitchell College women's soccer team earned their first New England Collegiate Conference victory of the season at home on Tuesday afternoon, holding off Eastern Nazarene College 2-1 at Alumni Field. 

Madison Nicynski and Lauren Cordero each netted goals for the Mariners, who won their fifth game of the season. The win marks the second straight year that Mitchell has reached the five victory mark after recording four of fewer every season from 2012-2019 (no games played in 2020). The Mariners also improved to 1-1-1 in conference play with just three NECC games remaining on the regular season schedule.

Jordan Lee accounted for ENC's lone goal, which cut a 2-0 deficit in half midway through the second half. The Lions dropped to 2-10-1 overall and 0-2-1 in conference play.

The Mariners jumped ahead in the 28th minute when Nicynski capitalized on a free kick, striking the ball with her right foot and sailing it over the outstretched hands of the goalie into top left corner of the net. It was the second score of the season for the senior, who also tallied a goal on September 17, when the Mariners beat Brooklyn 3-0.

Mitchell added to their lead five minutes later when Francesca Zamarripa's shot deflected off the right post and landed at the feet of Lauren Cordero. The freshman took possession off the ricochet, steadied her footing and spun around, striking the ball past the sliding Lions keeper for her first collegiate goal.

Jordan Lee's third goal of the fall trimmed the deficit to one in the 63rd minute, however the Mariners defense held steady the remainder of the contest. 

Gemma Landry made 12 saves in goal, the sixth game this season in which the sophomore keeper has registered double digit saves. 

Mitchell finished with 18 shots, nine on goal, and five corner kicks. The Lions, meanwhile, were credited with 19 shots, 13 on goal, and three corner kicks.

Jasmine Arzu finished the game with seven saves for the visiting team. 

Mitchell (5-6-2 overall, 1-1-1 NECC) continue conference play on Saturday, October 22, when they visit New England College for a 4:00 pm tilt. ENC returns to action on Saturday as well, playing at Lesley in an NECC showdown of their goal.