Sept. 6, 2009

Box Score

HENNIKER, N.H. - The Emmanuel College Women's Soccer Team opened the 2009 campaign by blanking New England College, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon in New Hampshire. The Saints surged out to a 2-0 lead in the opening half behind goals from Amber Di Nucci and Kate McKenna. Emmanuel tacked on one final goal in the second half to come away with the 3-0 shut-out win. The loss for New England College drops the Pilgrims to 0-2-1 overall.

The two teams battled closely throughout much of the opening half, before junior forward Amber Di Nucci (Assonet, Mass.) booted in her own rebound off the cross bar at the 33:41 mark. The Saints added on their second goal just minutes later, when senior captain Kate McKenna (Holyoke, Mass.) converted her first penalty kick of the season, putting Emmanuel up 2-0.

Emmanuel continued to control much of the offense in the second stanza, as the Saints held a 19-5 advantage in shots and held the Pilgrims to no shots on net for the entire contest. Emmanuel solidified the win with the third goal of the afternoon at 65:24. Rookie midfielder Elizabeth Blasser (Pembroke, Mass.) scored the first goal of her collegiate career, when she stuffed in a pass from classmate Meghan Zerba (Cumberland, R.I.).

Picking up the shutout win in goal for the Saints was freshman Jessica D'Ottavio (Pauling, N.Y.) In net for the Pilgrims was Kerry Hughes (Wallkill, N.Y.), who recorded 11 saves on the afternoon.

Emmanuel will host non-conference opponent Wheaton College on Tuesday (9/9) at 7:00 p.m. This will be the Saints' home opener on the newly renovated Roberto Clemente Field. New England College will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 9 when they travel to take on non-conference opponent Mt. St. Mary's College at 4:00 p.m.