PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Westfield State University Owls topped Plymouth State University, 4-1, in a non-conference women's soccer match on Arold Field on Wednesday afternoon.
Westfield State made things tough for the Panthers, but Plymouth State fought the 2023 MASCAC champion and NCAA Tournament participant for the full 90 minutes. Junior
Molly Bellmore (Hebron, Conn.) scored the lone goal for the Panthers off a corner kick late in the second half, while classmates
Emily Wilson (Salem, N.H.) and
Nevaeh Petruzzi (Newmarket, N.H.) recorded a shot on goal each in the losing effort.
Plymouth State falls to 5-10-0, while Westfield State improves to 9-3-4.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, Westfield State 4
- Plymouth State (5-10-0)
- Westfield State (9-3-4)
How it Happened:
- The Owls struck first in the 14th minute on a ball placed into the lower left corner of the net to take a 1-0 lead.
- The perennial favorites of the MASCAC controlled the run of play for the first half, keeping the Panthers to a single shot on goal. Plymouth State held strong to keep the game within striking distance as the 1-0 scoreline remained at halftime.
- Westfield State nearly doubled its advantage early in the second half as a shot clanked off the crossbar, keeping the scoreline tight.
- The Owls got their insurance goal in the 60th minute to gain a 2-0 advantage. Junior Vicky Taylor (Bellingham, Mass.) made a great effort to clear the ball off the Panthers' goal line, but the ball deflected off the post to the Westfield State striker, who managed to put home the rebound.
- Bellmore made things interesting with ten minutes to play, cutting the deficit to 3-1 as the Panthers threw everything forward to attempt a comeback.
- Westfield State put home the final goal on the contest in 88th minute to secure the non-conference win.
By the Numbers:
- Westfield State outshot the Panthers, 20-5.
- The Owls edged Plymouth State on corner kicks, 7-6.
- Shots on goal went to the Owls, 9-3.
- Panthers' goalkeepers registered five saves.
- Plymouth State remain winless in seven attempts against the Owls.
- Two games remain on the regular season schedule for Plymouth State.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State finishes its three-game home stand on Tuesday (Oct. 29) as the Vikings from Salem State University travel to Arold Field for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff.
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