In the final minute of the game against Wellesley on Sunday, defender Meaghan Dwan ’15 launched a free hit to forward Katie Riley ’14, who managed to wrap around her defender and find the back of the net with fifteen seconds remaining. Riley’s goal proved to be the game-winner for Bowdoin. The Polar Bears also defeated Wesleyan 4-1 in their season opener the day before, anchored by a hat trick from forward Rachel Kennedy ’16.
Having outshot their first two opponents 38-16, the women have created plenty of scoring opportunities behind the duo of Riley and Kennedy, who were the two leading goal-scorers last season.
Behind them is first time starting goalkeeper Hannah Gartner ’15 who has allowed one goal in two games.
“She had some crucial saves in both games,” said Head Coach Nicky Pearson. “She’s a good leader which is important with a new defense.”
The young defense has been solid thus far, but will face greater opposition against Amherst and Middlebury in the coming weeks.
According to Pearson, another development to watch for will be the emergence of a third and possibly fourth goal-scorer. Pearson pointed to Pam Herter ’15 and Emily Simonton ’15 who have seen “significant time on the forward lines.” Having lost two senior goal scorers from the previous year, it will be crucial for the Polar Bears to find another option to take the pressure off Riley and Kennedy.
“We know we’ve got a lot of things to work on. But every day, every game they get better and we’re excited with what we have,” said Pearson.