Box Score NEW LONDON, Conn. – Coast Guard's defense held strong for the majority of the game but could not keep Babson off the scoreboard as they fell 2-0.
Both teams played stout defense in the first half as each team had few chances on goal. Babson's best chance came in the 17th minute as a cross nearly found an open freshman Kelsey Ford charging to goal. However, the ball was just out of her reach and cleared by the Bears defense.
Coast Guard nearly struck at the end of the half when a misstep by the Beavers defense found sophomore Emily Matthews one on one with senior goalkeeper Melina Kapotsis. Matthews took a hard shop but Kapotsis was fast off her line and smothered the attempt. The rebound went to junior Caroline Eastman who sent the ball back towards goal. Her shot however carried wide of the net and harmlessly out of play.
The Bears started the second half off strong when a looping pass from sophomore Terry Netusil found senior Liz Runci alone in Babson's penalty box. Runci headed the ball on goal but Kapotsis made a diving save to end the threat and keep the score level.
The Beavers would finally crack the Coast Guard defense off a corner when junior Kristina Simonson played a short corner to freshman Victoria Penta just outside the Bear's eighteen yard box. Penta turned and sent a cross to the back post. Senior Jessica DiPhilippo rose up and headed the ball past senior Holly Moore at the 55:43 mark for her sixth goal of the year.
Babson struck again in the 71st minute as junior Meghan Tyson received a pass over the top of the Coast Guard's defense. Tyson moved in on goal quickly and slotted a shot just under a diving Moore for her sixth goal of the year.
Moore made one save in the loss, dropping the Bear's record to 7-5-1 and 2-3 in the NEWMAC Conference.
Kapotsis made four saves lifting the Beaver's record to 10-1-2 and 5-0-1 in the conference holding on to the top spot in the NEWMAC.
Coast Guard return to action on Tuesday, October 14th, when they host Mount Holyoke. Game time is 7:00 pm.
