Nationally-ranked women’s soccer team has seven shutouts in historic season

The Connecticut College women's soccer team is ranked No. 22 in the country and third in New England, outscoring opponents 31-6.
The Connecticut College women's soccer team is ranked No. 22 in the country and third in New England, outscoring opponents 31-6.

The Connecticut College women’s soccer team is off to the best start in its history, and the key has not only been putting the ball in the net — but keeping it out.

The Camels, who sit at 10-1, have outscored opponents by an amazing 31-6. Seven of the team’s victories have been shutouts, including three straight against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) rivals Bates College, Tufts University and Colby College.

Currently, Head Coach Norm Riker’s squad is ranked No. 22 in the NCAA Division III poll and third in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America New England rankings. The program has reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2002, when it finished 10-5-1, and has its first winning season since 2004.

“It's really a dream come true,” said forward Grace Bilodeau '15. "It's amazing to be 10-1. Our team has set a new precedent for the years to come."

Bilodeau is one of only three seniors on a young team that has been anchored by its back line. Captain Morgan Cowie-Haskell '16, Cathy Higgins '17, Amanda Proulx '17 and Amanda Onofrio '16 have all contributed on defense, and goalie Bryanna Montalvo '17 sports a 0.45 goals against average, the best in the conference.

The team can score, too. Twins Michelle and Nicole Medina '18, who have accounted for seven goals, lead a well-balanced attack. Alexa Tribelli '18 has netted four goals and captain Astrid Kempainen '15 has scored four goals and added seven assists.

With four games remaining, the team has a shot at equaling the program’s most successful season — the 1988 squad finished 14-2, earning 11 shutouts and allowing just five goals.

The team's next game is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, at Bowdoin College.



October 14, 2014