PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Freshman
Molly Bellmore (Hebron, Conn.) continued her early season heroics with yet another goal to help lead the Plymouth State University women's soccer team to a 2-0 win over Salem State University in a non-conference matchup at Arold Field on Wednesday night.
Bellmore, who earlier today was named the United Soccer Coaches D-III Women's Player of the Week, struck gold in the seventh minute as the Panthers' offense controlled possession and put pressure on the Vikings all afternoon.
While PSU maintained control the remainder of the first half, Salem State was able to keep the deficit at one.
Plymouth State doubled its lead in the 62nd minute when graduate student
Cara Easter (Weare, N.H.) found the back of the net to provide an insurance tally.
PSU stays unbeaten to improve to 3-0-0 on the year, while Salem State remains winless at 0-3-0.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 2, Salem State 0
- Plymouth State (3-0-0)
- Salem State (0-3-0)
How it Happened:
- Freshman Olivia Howard (Berwick, Maine) helped the Panthers control the game early with two close shots, but the Vikings' goalie was able to keep PSU off the board.
- Bellmore extended her torrid start in the seventh minute. Graduate student Sarah Hicks (Sutton, Mass.) sent a ball into the six from along the right touchline that Bellmore deposited off the outstretched fingertip of the Salem State goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
- The Panthers continued to dominate play and had several opportunities to extend the margin, but a Bellmore blast hit the right post and freshmen Emily McDonough (Peabody, Mass.) and Kaitlin Sullivan (North Kingstown, R.I.) both had their bids turned aside late in the first half.
- Plymouth State doubled its lead in the 62nd minute as junior Tess LeDuc (Marlborough, Mass.) served a corner to the top of the six and Easter volleyed it over the Vikings' goalkeeper.
By the Numbers:
- In just three games, Bellmore has now amassed four goals and two assists.
- Easter knocked in her second goal of the season and has a point in every game this year.
- Plymouth State outshot the Vikings by a 32-1 margin, including 12-0 in shots on goal.
- The Panthers earned 10 corners, while holding Salem to none.
- PSU also opened last season with three straight wins.
- Plymouth State is 18-16-1 all-time against the Vikings. The Panthers have won each of the last three meetings without allowing a goal.
Up Next:
- The Panthers travel to Gordon on Saturday (Sept. 10) for a 1:00 p.m. non-conference matchup with the Fighting Scots.
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