Women's Soccer Posts 2-0 Shutout Over Emmanuel

BOSTON, Mass. – The visiting Bridgewater State University women's soccer team posted a 2-0 shutout victory over Emmanuel College on Thursday night at Clemente Field.

The Bears even their 2021 record at 2-2 with their second straight win, while the host Saints fall to 1-3-2.

The visitors tallied both of their goals in the opening 45 minutes. Junior forward Michelle Belcher (Norton, Mass.) opened the scoring in the 12th minute with her third goal of the season. Off a loose ball in close to the net, Belcher pushed a shot past Saints sophomore goalie Lexi Della Rocco (Chester, Conn.) giving the Bears a 1-0 lead. Senior forward Caitlyn Laliberte (Somerset, Mass.) assisted on the goal to record her first point of the season.

Bridgewater State doubled the lead in the 39th minute on the first goal of the season for senior forward Madelyn Morin (East Longmeadow, Mass.). Coming off a corner kick, the Saints appeared to have cleared the ball away, but Morin settled the clearance attempt and fired a right-footed shot from 25 yards away into the far-side netting.

BSU senior goalkeeper Tory Viola-Laughery (Brockton, Mass.) came up with a pair of saves, both in the second half, to post her second straight shutout.

The Bears finished with a 12-4, shot advantage and held a 6-2 edge in corner kick attempts.

Della Rocco turned aside five shots between the pipes for the Saints.

Bridgewater State opens Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play on Saturday morning as the Bears entertain Salem State University at 11. The Saints host Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) foe Elms College on Saturday afternoon at three.