BABSON REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH 3-1 WIN OVER SAINTS

BOSTON, Mass. – Babson College improved to 5-0-1 on the season with a 3-1 win over Emmanuel College in non-conference women's soccer action played under the lights at Roberto Clemente Field on Tuesday night.  The loss dropped the host Saints to 2-4-1 on the year.  In a non-conference match-up dating back to 2002, the Beavers held on to their streak, as they have been victorious in all eight meetings between these two programs.

The Saints, who were coming off a shutout win in GNAC action on Saturday, found themselves trailing just twenty minutes into the opening frame of Tuesday night's contest.  Babson forward Marissa Endow (Worcester, Mass.) flicked the ball to Mika Cucullo (South Salem, N.Y.) in the box and Cucullo blooped it just over Emmanuel's sophomore keeper Brenna Smith (Wantagh, N.Y.), as the Beavers jumped out to a 1-0 edge.

The visitors were able to tack on a first-half insurance goal, when Rachel Kantor (Westfield, Mass.) found Olivia Kerester Chappaqua, N.Y.) for her first collegiate goal at 37:21.  The Saints went into the break, trailing 2-0, and with Babson leading in total shots, 13-4.

Despite seven Emmanuel players on the injured list, including several from the Saints' defensive line, the hosts were able to hold the Beavers scoreless for the first forty minutes of the second half.  There were several near tallies for the Beavers, including two misses on open nets, as well as shots drilled off both posts by Cucullo and Jessica DiPhilippo (Falmouth, Me.).

Babson was finally able to connect and the Beavers would add one more goal to their tally with just over four minutes to play.  Senior forward Kristen Dombrowski (New Hartford, Conn.) crossed the ball to Kantor at the near-side post and she sent her point blank shot into the back of the EC net.

Just forty-nine seconds later, the Saints would get on the board and thwart the Beavers' shutout.  After a Babson foul in the box, senior forward Lindsey Garvey (Warwick, R.I.) was successful on a direct kick to bring the final score to 3-1.  This goal was Garvey's second of the year and moves her into a tie for fifth among Emmanuel's all-time scoring leaders.

For the Beavers, Melina Kapotsis (Watertown, Mass.) and Meaghan Merullo (Winchester, Mass.) each played a half between the pipes.  Kapotsis saw two Saints' shots-on-goal and stopped both, while Merullo allowed the lone Emmanuel goal late in the second half.

Smith took the loss in goal for the Saints, dropping to 2-4 on the season.  She made 9 saves in her 90-minute effort.

Babson finished the night owning a 24-6 shooting advantage and 5-2 edge in corner kick opportunities.

The Saints will be back in non-conference action again this Thursday, September 19.  Emmanuel travels to Curry College for a 7:00 PM start in Milton, Mass.  Babson will host Mount Holyoke College in their NEWMAC opener on Saturday, September 21, at 1:00 PM.