WESTON, Mass. – Capped by freshman goalkeeper Rachel Gagnon's (Ashford, Conn.) nine save performance, the Regis College women's soccer team handed the visiting New England College Pilgrims their first loss of the season in a 4-0 victory. Regis improves to 2-0 on the season while New England drops to 2-1.
Regis got on the board in the 30-th minute off of a Kristen Abreu (Woburn, Mass.) goal. Senior midfielder Melissa Choz (Leicester, Mass.) followed her own rebound that bounced off of the post and was able to slot a pass over to an open Abreu for the easy go-ahead goal.
In the waning minutes of the first half, senior Michelle Sirois (Easton, Mass.) added to the lead when she capitalized on a free kick attempt from 30 yards out. The midfielder struck a beautiful ball that sailed over the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Heather McFarlane (Philadelphia, Pa.) for the 2-0 lead to go into the second half.
The Pilgrims came out of the break with vengeance and looked to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, but Gagnon proved to be too much for the visitors. The rookie made several key stops, including two spectacular back-to-back diving saves in the 61st minute, to keep New England off of the scoreboard.
Regis once again added to their lead when freshman midfielder Devinne Aquadro (Sturbridge, Mass.) blasted a free-kick into the net from 25 yards out. It was Aquadro's first career tally for the Pride.
Sophomore Adena Joseph (Stoughton, Mass.) finished the scoring for the Pride in the 88-th minute from a Kara Donovan (Woburn, Mass.) assist. Donovan lined up for one of Regis' five corner kicks of the game and sent in a sailing cross into the box, where Joseph was able to collect the ball and shoot it past McFarlane for the 4-0 lead.
The Pilgrims were led by freshman Molly Puchtler (Sunapee, N.H.) and juniors Courtney Joyal (Castleton, Vt.) and Alyssa Krause (Northfield, N.H), who each finished the game with three shots. McFarlane recorded two saves on the day.
The Crimson and Gold will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday afternoon as the team travels to Lyndon State for a 3:30 p.m. non-conference matchup with the Hornets.