Soccer powers past Wesleyan, Western New England University

Photos courtesy of the Mount Holyoke College Athletic Department

BY MARYA JUCEWICZ '17

A strong offensive showing in the first half gave the Lyons the advantage en route to a 2-0 win over Wesleyan University on Saturday. 

Early in the half, Avia Jacobs ’19 found the net from deep center field to give Mount Holyoke the 1-0 lead. The second goal came with four minutes left in the half, after Sara Sanaú Ruiz ’19 attacked the Wesleyan defense with a shot that hit the crossbar. Seconds later, Jamie Collings ’18 knocked the rebound in to give the Lyons a 2-0 advantage.

“It was a great win against a good team like Wesleyan,” said coach Kanae Haneishi. “This win will help us to gain the momentum going forward into conference games.”

The Lyons had a strong defensive showing, supporting their early offensive success. Zoë Marshall ’17 made three saves in the first half and Amanda Manaster ’19 made five saves in the second to shut the Cardinal out. Marshall earned the win for the Lyons.

Freshman Zoe Cassels-Brown had two saves for the Cardinal and freshman Claire Coyle took the loss, letting in two goals in the first half.

The Lyons bested Western New England University 2–0 Wednesday night for another shutout win at home. Ruiz and Collings scored a goal each early in the second half to give Mount Holyoke the advantage. Ruiz also posted an assist — her sixth of the year. Marshall made 15 saves to shut out the Golden Bears. For WNE, sophomore Marissa Veilleux had four saves.

With the wins, the Lyons improve to a 3–2 record.

They will face Babson College in Wellesley Saturday at 2 p.m.