Box Score

DUDLEY, Mass. -- Junior Margaret Palmer scored a goal in each half to help power the University of New England women's soccer team to a 3-2 road victory over Nichols College in a mutual Commonwealth Coast Conference opener Saturday afternoon (Sep. 14).

The win is the third straight for the Nor'easters, who improve to 4-2 overall. The Bison slip below the .500 mark for the season at 2-3.

Palmer notched the game's first goal, jumping over a Nichols defender and depositing a shot just inside the right post at the 13:58 mark.

The hosts squared the match 15 minutes later when Jillian Krish converted a free kick from 30 yards out.

UNE would take the lead for good just before halftime. Senior Alexis Wells found junior Jayne Kelly with a pass, and Kelly directed a shot that caromed off the Bison keeper into the right portion of the frame.

The match would remain 2-1 in favor of the Nor'easters until the 82nd minute when Palmer added what would prove to be an important insurance goal. Palmer took a feed from Lindsey Monaco and pushed a low shot inside the left post.

Nichols drew back within one (3-2) just two minutes later on a goal from Bryanna Goodine, but Big Blue would fend off any further threats from the Bison to clinch the victory.

UNE had the better part of the stat sheet for the afternoon, holding advantages in shots (24-9) and corner kicks (5-2).

Senior Gina Iannazzi and first-year Brielle Robinson split time in goal for Big Blue, each allowing a goal and combining for four saves. Iannazzi played the opening 45 minutes to get credit for the victory.

Sarah Whitestone racked up 13 saves for the Bison.

UNE will look to make it four straight wins Tuesday when its hosts Colby College for a non-conference match beginning at 6 p.m.