Lee’s First Half Strike Sends Blue Soccer Past Simmons In Season Opener

BRIGHTON, Mass. -- Sophomore Maddie Lee (Los Angeles, Calif.) scored her first career goal to lead the Wellesley College soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Simmons University on Friday afternoon at Daly Field. Wellesley has now opened the last four seasons with victories over Simmons, including 1-0 wins in 2017 and 2018.

Lee's first half marker was the only thing that separated the two sides despite the Blue's lopsided 18-2 advantage in shots. Junior Emily Tran (Vienna, Va.) picked up the assist on Lee's first goal of the season, lifting a cross to the top of the penalty area that Lee popped up and over Simmons goalkeeper Lauren Williams (Bowdoinham, Maine) during the 19th minute of play. Williams finished the contest with a career-high 10 saves for Simmons.

In the Wellesley net, junior Olivia Reckley (Grosse Ile, Mich.) recorded her 11th career shutout, turning aside the only shot she faced late in the first half on an effort from senior Mallory Cottam (Hope, R.I.). 

Next up, Wellesley (1-0-0) will host Lesley on Sunday at 12:00 PM in the team's home opener. Simmons (0-0-1) travels to Mount Holyoke for a 1:00 PM kick-off tomorrow.