Recap
Senior Brooke Downey turned aside seven shots to backstop the Nichols College women's soccer team to a scoreless tie with non-conference opponent Elms College Sunday afternoon at the Nichols Soccer Field.
 
The Blazers (1-0-1) had the two best scoring chances of the match – one in the first half and one in the second half. Less than 10 minutes into the opening stanza, freshman Jaime Cerrato drove a ball that got behind Downey, but sophomore Abby Bassett cleared it off the line to keep the game scoreless.
 
Just past the 15-mnute mark of the second half, senior Kelsey Shea redirected a free kick with her head and the ball struck the right post. The Blazers registered a total of 17 shots during regulation and held the Bison four – two off the foot of junior Kaylin Goncalves.
 
Three things you need to know…
                -Elms sophomore Paige Silva was credited with two saves in her first collegiate game in goal.
                -Today was the ninth career shutout for Downey, bringing her to within two of Maureen Lynch (2009-12) for No. 2 all-time at Nichols. She is also tied for No. 2 in career ties (three).
                -Elms freshman Sydney Goodwin led all student-athletes with seven shots.

Quote
"Today was a great team effort and helped us secure four points through our first two matches. There was competitive play from each student-athlete that stepped onto the pitch. We are excited to continue to match that intensity with each match this season. Defensively, our discipline and continued effort earned us a clean sheet for the first two matches. This is a terrific start for our team." -Nichols head coach Karen Gurnon  

Next match
Tuesday, September 4 @ Smith, 5:00 p.m.