After suffering its second loss in a row when it failed to score against Brandeis University in non-conference play on Wednesday, the women's soccer team looks to secure its first win since October 3 as it hosts Trinity (5-2-4 NESCAC, 3-2-2 overall) on Saturday afternoon. It is a key game for the Polar Bears who hope to clinch a NESCAC playoff bid.
"With only two games left in the season we are really hoping to have back-to-back victories in order to secure our spot in the playoffs. We are hoping that we will peak in the upcoming weeks and really show the conference our true ability," said senior captain Tiernan Cutler.
The Bears fell to Brandeis 1-0 on Wednesday, falling to 5-5-2 overall, (2-4-1 in the NESCAC). The Judges, currently ranked No. 3 in the New England regional rankings, improved to 11-3-1.
Brandeis took the lead at 31:32 when a corner kick from Taryn Martiniello was headed into the goal by Kelly Peterson. A spectacular diving save from Bowdoin senior keeper Kat Flaherty in the second half kept the Polar Bears in the game, but they were unable to score as the game came to a 1-0 end. Flaherty recorded six saves in the loss.
Junior forward Ellery Gould saw her seven-match scoring streak come to an end, but still leads NESCAC in scored goals (10). Gould is only the third player in program history to score 10 or more goals in a season twice.
The team has faced a very competitive schedule this year, as six of its opponents on this season's schedule are currently on the NCAA D-III New England regional rankings. All but one of its losses have been by a one-goal margin.
"Our season has been really frustrating this year because, while our record doesn't show it, we are outplaying and outshooting teams, but are just struggling with finding the back of the net," said Cutler.
The Polar Bears suffered a 4-2 loss to conference rival Williams last Saturday. The Ephs scored the first two goals of the contest and never looked back.
In the 13th minute of play, Tyler Rainer found the back of the net and was followed just over 15 minutes later when Annelise Snyder scored to put the Ephs up 2-0. Bowdoin responded with 6:13 left in the half as first year Lauren Skerrit launched a 35-yard shot into the net, closing the gap to one.
Sara Wild scored for the Ephs with 15 minutes remaining in the contest, but Gould responded off of a penalty kick in the 87th minute to bring the team within one goal.
Williams secured the victory as Eph forward Kristine Nakada crossed the ball to Caitlyn Clark who scored a goal with just over two minutes left to play.
Bowdoin goalkeeper Flaherty recorded six saves in the loss.