NEW LONDON, Conn. – Freshman Natalie Dawes (Amesbury, Conn.) knocked home a rebound in the 52nd minute to lift the Nichols College women's soccer team to a 1-0 win at Coast Guard in non-conference action Thursday night.
 
Junior Sarah Whitestone (Dalton, Mass.) recorded 12 saves to earn her first collegiate shutout as the Bison evened their record at 2-2-0. Holly Moore recorded one save for the Bears (2-4-0). Nichols won despite being outshot 29-6.
 
Coast Guard held a 10-3 in shots in the opening half, hit the post twice, and saw another shot clang off the crossbar. In the second half, junior Alyssa Tosti (Douglas, Mass.) set up the only goal of the match when she fired a shot off the crossbar that came to Dawes, who poked the ball past the outstretched arms or Moore.
 
The Bears had numerous opportunities to even the score in the match – including hitting their fourth post of the evening in the 87th minute – before Terry Netusil received a penalty kick two minutes later. Her shot was targeted for the lower left corner, but Whitestone sprawled out and knocked the ball away to preserve the win.
 
Nichols hosts UNE Saturday at 1 p.m. The Bears will return to action on Tuesday, September 16 when they host Massachusetts Maritime at 7:00 p.m.

Contributions from Coast Guard sports information