With an opening loss to Amherst and a second game blow out of Bates, Women's soccer has had its ups and down over the past week but appears more than ready for a successful season.
The Polar Bears played against Maine state rival Bates in a Tuesday game. Thanks to two goals from sophomore Ellery Gould, as well as stellar play from the whole team, the Bears were able to methodically take down the Bobcats by a margin of four goals to none.
The other Bowdoin goal scorers were sophomores Celeste Swain (off of a cross from first year Stacy Sammott) and Amy Hackett, who was able to poke a scrappy goal past the Bates keeper in the 74th minute of the game. Gould finished the scoring for the Bears as she blew by two defenders and put one into the side netting from just outside the penalty mark with only 8 minutes remaining.
"This win was huge for us," said senior tri-captain Larkin Brown. "We're young this year. So I think the loss to Amherst really resonated with the team. Getting a win against Bates gives us the confidence we need to compliment our skill and potential."
Kat Flaherty '11 also recorded her first career shutout for the Bears, proving to be an accomplished goalie.
"She has improved and developed so much over the past few years as a keeper," said defender Tiernan Cutler '11. "I think this game should give her a lot of confidence as the season progresses."
Before its victory against Bates, Bowdoin had a tough match in its season opener, playing against the Lord Jeffs of Amherst, a team currently ranked No. 5 in the country. The scoring came early as Amherst took the lead in the sixth minute of the game when opposing tri-captain forward Jackie Hirsh hit a 25 yard rocket to beat the diving Flaherty. The Jeffs got one more goal before halftime, taking a 2-0 lead into intermission. Although the Bears were able to pick it up in the second half, Amherst would ultimately take a 3-0 lead, en route to their eventual victory.
"They're ranked 5th in the nation for a reason," said Junior Captain Christina Aceto after the game, "but regardless, we still need to expect more from ourselves in order to be successful."
The Bears look to continue their solid performance this weekend as they take on Wheaton College. Kick off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Pickard Field.