Babson Blanks Women's Soccer In Season Opener, 3-0

BABSON PARK, Mass. - Babson junior Jessica DiPhilippo (Falmouth, Me.) scored once and chipped in with a pair of assists as Babson College used three goals in a span of 9:45 late in the second half to pick up a 3-0 victory over Bridgewater State University in non-conference women's soccer action at Hartwell-Rogers Field on Tuesday afternoon.

With the win Babson moves to 2-0-0 on the season while Bridgewater State has dropped their season opener.

Senior Meghan Andrew (Easton, Mass.) and junior Avika Shah (Scotch Plains, N.J.) each scored once for the Beavers, while sophomore Leisl Bard (Agawam, Mass.) contributed two assists. Junior Jenny Moore (Duxbury, Mass.) also tacked on an assist.

Neither team was able to generate much offense throughout a scoreless opening half.

Bridgewater State outshot Babson 4-3 and had the best chance to get on the board in the 22nd minute when senior Olivia Creonte (Waltham, Mass.) broke in on junior goalkeeper Melina Kapotsis (Watertown, Mass.) and pushed the ball past her, only to have her shot from 10 yards cleared off the line by Bard.

After Kapotsis made a diving save on Bears' sophomore Mackenzie Hatfield (Whitman, Mass.) at the 61:01 mark to keep the game scoreless, Babson finally broke through to take the lead.

Following a foul just beyond midfield, Bard hit a free kick towards the top of the box, connecting with DiPhilippo, who played a header to Andrew at the penalty spot where she was able to calmly slide her shot inside the left post for a 1-0 advantage at 68:28.

Just under three minutes later the Beavers extended their lead in much the same fashion. Bard once again hit a long free kick off a restart that was headed forward by DiPhilippo, this time connecting with Shah, who buried a 15-yard shot inside the right post for her first goal of the season at 71:12.

After Kapotsis made another save diving to her left on Bridgewater State sophomore MaryRose Griffin (Whitman, Mass.) following a free kick in the 75th minute, DiPhilippo capped the scoring with her first goal of the year. Sophomore Kristina Simonson (Easton, Mass.) played a long pass to Moore, who had her shot denied by Bears sophomore keeper Marissa Yowell (Ashland, Mass.), but DiPhilippo found herself in perfect position to knock home the rebound, giing Babson a 3-0 edge at 77:13.

Kapotsis finished with five saves to earn her first win and first shutout of the season for the Beavers while Yowell made three stops in a losing effort for Bridgewater State.

Babson returns to action on Saturday afternoon in its third straight home game when they host the University of New England at 1:30 p.m., while Bridgewater State travels to take on Brandeis next Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Full Release Courtesy of Babson College Sports Information