Sept. 17, 2009

Box Score

BOSTON, Mass. - Babson College scored a trio of goals in the second half to come from behind and defeat Emmanuel College, 3-1, in non-conference women's soccer played at Roberto Clemente Field on Thursday night. The victory for the Beavers helped Babson to continue its unbeaten reign over Emmanuel. With the win, Babson improved the squad to 5-2 overall, while the Saints dropped to 3-3 on the season.

A scoreless first half gave way to action packed second frame, with all four of the game's goals coming within the final forty minutes. Despite allowing 12 first half shots, including 7 on goal, the Saints managed to hold the Beavers scoreless for the opening 45. Freshman keeper Jessica D'Ottavio (Pawling, N.Y.) stopped all 7 of Babson's first-half shots on net. The Saints took just two first-half shots, with just one coming on goal.

Emmanuel came out of the gates furiously in the second period and scored just four minutes into the frame. Junior forward Amber Di Nucci (Assonet, Mass.) took off on a breakaway and carried the ball past several Babson defenders before drilling a shot into the bottom left corner of the Beaver goal. Di Nucci's goal at 49:10 put the Saints up 1-0.

Babson retaliated quickly, finding Emmanuel's goal just 9 minutes later. Rookie midfielder Ashley Tourso (Glen Rock, N.J.) scored unassisted at 58:03 to tie the game at 1-1. Emmanuel continued to fire shots, taking 5 in the second half, but the Saints would not score again for the remainder of the game.

Babson's freshman forward Amy Festa (Medfield, Mass.) connected on one of her 5 shots on goal at 70:44. Festa's shot, which proved to be the game-winner, was assisted by classmate Emily Anderson (Scituate, Mass.). The Beavers tacked on another one out of a corner kick situation in the 83rd minute, when junior forward Patty Pytlik (Wellesley, Mass.) was assisted by Festa to give Babson the 3-1 win.

Babson's junior keeper Sarah Macary (Woodbury, Conn.) picked up the win for the Beavers, making 2 stops. D'Ottavio collected 10 saves in the effort for the Saints.

Emmanuel will return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference play on Saturday (9/19), when the Saints travel to Newton, Mass. to take on Lasell College in a 2:30pm start.