Kat Flaherty '11 earned her first shutout of the year as the women's soccer team battled to a scoreless draw versus conference rival Colby on Tuesday afternoon.
"We possessed the ball well, generated lots of great scoring opportunities, but unfortunately never found the back of the net," said senior captain Molly Duffy.
Despite a few controversial calls early on, the Polar Bears were able to stay in control, holding a 21-9 advantage in shots for the game. However, a 10-7 advantage for corner kicks kept the Mules in the game. The Polar Bears were led by captain Ellery Gould '12 with seven shots. Bowdoin moves to 2-1-1 (1-1-1 NESCAC) for the season while Colby stands at 1-0-2 (0-0-2 NESCAC).
The team earned its first conference victory in an exciting overtime win at Bates on Saturday. After a scoreless first half, Gould launched a line drive past Bobcat goalie Annie Burns with 36:39 left in the period. This was the first goal that Burns has allowed this year after posting an impressive 253 shutout minutes to start the season.
Bates responded with a goal by Jaimie Cappucci at the 72nd minute of play. With three minutes of the first overtime left, Bowdoin regained control as Gould sent a cross from the left side of the box to teammate Toni DaCampo '13. After a scramble in front of the net, DaCampo knocked in the game-winning goal to seal the overtime victory with 2:42 left to play.
Bowdoin was in control offensively, outshooting Bates by a 19-13 margin, including a 12-4 difference in the first half. Flaherty recorded four saves in the win.
"We had moments where we possessed the ball very well and created very good scoring opportunities, but our turnovers hurt us in the second half. Once we got to overtime we showed a lot of poise and composure," said Duffy.
After a week of play versus in-state rivals, the team will travel to Middlebury (0-2-0 NESCAC, 2-2-1 overall) this weekend in search of its second conference win. Middlebury finished strong last season, making an appearance in the NESCAC championship and finally falling in the sectional semifinals of the national tournament. The Panthers ended the Polar Bears' season last year in a tough overtime loss.
"The league is very balanced this year, and it is very exciting to see where the rest of the season will take us," said Duffy. "If we continue to possess the ball, play with grit and finish on good scoring opportunities, we will be very competitive this season."