MIDDLEBURY — Despite outshooting visiting Amherst by 18-6, the Middlebury College women’s soccer team lost its NESCAC opener on Sunday, 1-0, when the Panthers surrendered an own goal in the second half.
The 1-1 Panthers, who entered the contest ranked No. 3 in NCAA Division III after last fall’s run to the NCAA semifinal round, were set to host Keene State on Wednesday and will visit league foe Connecticut on Saturday.
Middlebury’s chances started early. In the ninth minute, Jeff goalie Holly Burwick (nine saves) dove to stop Jamie Soroka’s redirect after a feed from Krystina Reynolds. Soroka had a good look on a turn-and-shoot play seven minutes later, but her shot went just wide.
The 26th minute saw another good opportunity for the Panthers when Burwick dove again, this time to stop Hannah Robinson.
The chances continued in the second half. One of the best came when Soroka’s shot just missed the crossbar from 20 yards out after a pass from Robinson.
The game’s only goal came at 70:13 after a restart from the right sideline. Jessy Hale served, and miscommunication in the box led to the ball ricocheting into the back of the net.
The Panthers had a few chances in the final 20 minutes, but could not score the equalizer. Panther goalie Kate Reinmuth finished with one save.