Women's Soccer Bested in Overtime

HENNIKER, N.H. -- Second-seeded New England College topped third-seeded Mitchell College by a 1-0 final in double overtime on Thursday night in the semifinals of the 2022 New England Collegiate Conference Women's Soccer Championship at Don Melander Field.

The Pilgrims move on to face top-seeded Lesley University in the conference finals on Sunday, November 6 at a time to be announced. Mitchell ends the season with a record of 5-8-4. .

The Pilgrims snapped a scoreless tie with the game winning goal two and a half minutes into the first overtime. This happened when sophomore Darian Taylor recieved the ball off a corner kick at the top of the box and fired it past the Mitchell keeper into the top left corner of the net.

New England College produced more offense, but the Mariners defense held strong for the majority of the evening. Led by NECC Defesive Player of the Year, Madison Nicynski (Warwick R.I.), Mitchell turned back Pilgrim attemps all game, as the home team outshot the visitors 21-3. 

Mitchell sophomore Gemma Landry (Lewiston, M.E.) was great in goal once again, as the the NECC Women's Soccer All-Conference Team selection finished with 12 saves. Freshman Taylor Bialowas (Griswold, Conn.) got one of three shots for the Mariners, while Elon Johnson (Freeport, Bahamas) and Tessa Seesock (Jacksonville, Fla.) penetrated and shot but struggled to get off good looks against the NEC defense.

Stephanie Bronowicki, who earned NECC Rookie of the Year honors, posted a clean sheet, good for her fourth shutout of the season.