WOMEN’S SOCCER DROPS 2-1 GNAC GAME AT JWU

PROVIDENCE, R.I. –A pair of freshman each scored their first collegiate goals as the Johnson & Wales University women's soccer team posted a 2-1 victory over Emmanuel in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletics Complex on Saturday afternoon.

Johnson & Wales took control early and struck first when freshman Taylor Hopkins (Warminster, Pa.) scored her first collegiate goal, putting in a crossing pass from fellow rookie Wendy Menchu Lopez (Auburn, Wash.) at the 11:57 mark for the 1-0 advantage.

Emmanuel responded in the 38th minute when freshman Hailey Longbottom (Princeton, Mass.) connected on a pass from sophomore Courtney Freadman (Richmond, Mass.) to knot the game at 1-1.  The game headed into halftime with the 1-1 tie with Emmanuel holding a 10-4 advantage in shots for the stanza.

The Wildcats battled the wind throughout the second half but were able to regain the lead in the 77th minute, as freshman Colby Thibault (Somerset, Mass.) recorded her first collegiate goal, blasting in a shot from 20 yards out to put JWU up 2-1. Both teams had chances down the stretch, but neither could capitalize as the Wildcats held on for the 2-1 victory.

Junior Alexa Rose (Lancaster, Pa.) made eight saves, including a pair of key stops in the final minutes of play to notch the victory for Johnson & Wales, while freshman Victoria Laroche (Hudson, N.H.) had three stops in the loss for Emmanuel.

With the victory JWU is now 5-3 on the year and 2-0 in the GNAC while Emmanuel falls to 3-5 for the season and 1-1 in league play.  The Wildcats will return to action on Monday, September 22nd, when they host intra-state rival Roger Williams at 7:00 PM  The Saints will also take on Roger Williams next week.  Emmanuel travels to Bristol, R.I. for the non-conference match-up with Hawks on Wednesday, September 24th, at 4:00 PM.

- Release Courtesy of Johnson & Wales University Sports Information