Women’s soccer snaps losing streak, beats Pace 2-1

The Owls snapped their three-game losing streak and earned their first conference win of the season with a 2-1 win over Pace University on Oct. 21 at Jess Dow Field.  

The university struck first when forward Elizabeth Bishop, a freshman, finished a cross from right back Aries Bell, a graduate, lifting the Owls to a 1-0 lead in the 27^th minute.  

“We definitely had a big improvement from our last couple of games,” Bishop said. “We worked really well together, connecting our passes, and we had strong energy from start to finish.” 

The goal was Bishop’s second of the season and it energized a team that has struggled to turn chances into goals as of late. Bishop gave credit to her teammates.

“Aries is a very strong right back, and she knew to serve the ball to either me or Bella running back post,” Bishop said. “I just hit it in the right spot on my head.”  

The Owls doubled their lead early in the second half when forward Nicky Deslauriers, a senior, converted a penalty kick in the 49^th minute, marking her 10^th career goal.  

“I didn’t even know it was my 10^th,” Deslauriers said. “We’ve had a lot of games where we have not scored, so it felt really good to finally put the ball in the back of the net.”  

Pace was able to get one in the back of the net late in the game, but the Owls’ defense, anchored by midfielder Julia Hargraves, a sophomore, and midfielder Ryleigh Phillips, a freshman, held strong to the finish.  

Head Coach Adam Cohen said the result reflected the progress that this team has made through adversity.  

“They’ve been battling the whole year and getting better and better as they go,” Cohen said. “The togetherness, the communication, the connection between the players: that’s what’s really been standing out.”  

Goalkeeper Abby Aughe, a senior, finished with six saves on the game. 

The university controlled 56% of possession, generated 14 shots and earned six corners, showing renewed poise and urgency in the attack. 

“This will be very motivating for us,” Deslauriers said. “Win the next game, and see what comes from there.”

Cohen emphasized the same message heading into the final three games of the season. 

“Win the next one: that’s the focus,” Cohen said. “Even though it’s been challenging for them recently, they’ve really stuck together. Having that belief in each other, it speaks volumes.”