Blue Soccer Scores Three Unanswered To Down Emerson In NEWMAC Opener

WELLESLEY, Mass. – Wellesley College soccer scored three unanswered goals to earn a 3-1 victory over visiting Emerson College in the New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at the Wellesley Fields Complex.

Junior Melise Knowles (Diablo, Calif.), first year Deyanira Ibarra (Los Olivos, Calif) and senior Maddie Carlborg (Burbank, Calif.) all scored to help the Blue improve to 4-2-0 on the year and 1-0-0 in the NEWMAC. Emerson is now 2-4-0 (0-1-0 NEWMAC).

The visiting Lions got out to a 1-0 lead less than five minutes into the contest when sophomore Paige Haley (San Diego, Calif.) tracked down a loose ball and finished 4:54 into the first for her fourth goal of the season. Haley was a threat throughout the contest, leading all players with nine total shots.

The Blue tied the game when Knowles unleashed a strike from the top of the penalty area that arched over Emerson senior goalkeeper Melanie Escobar (Torrington, Conn.) and into the back of the net at 15:02.

Wellesley then took the lead just over fifteen minutes after Knowles' goal thanks to the first collegiate goal from Ibarra. First year classmate Julia Jung (Oakland, Calif.) also registered her first collegiate point on the play, splitting the Emerson backline with a pass from the midfield to set-up Ibarra and make the score 2-1 at 30:33. The Blue carried the 2-1 edge into the second half before adding an insurance marker when Carlborg scored her second of the season at 48:59. 

Emerson finished with a 23-9 advantage in total shots, but just an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. Wellesley starter Olivia Reckley (Grosse Isle, Mich.) made four saves to improve to 4-2-0 on the year. Reckley gave way to first year classmate Erin Kelly (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) in the second half, as Kelly made three saves in her first collegiate action.

Escobar finished with a pair of saves for the Lions. First year Hannah Hodge (Gainesville, Ga.) also added a save after taking over between the pipes for the final 24:27 in the game.

Wellesley will host Lasell College in non-conference play on Tuesday, September 20, at 4:00 PM. Emerson also returns to action on Tuesday at 8:00 PM at Lesley.