Smith College Athletics

Coast Guard used a second half goal by sophomore Claire Hurley to top Smith 1-0 in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action Tuesday evening. With the win, the Bears improve to 6-6 on the season and 3-3 in the conference. The Pioneers fall to 5-7 overall and 1-5 in the NEWMAC.

Coast Guard came out strong in the opening half having numerous opportunities early on in the period. Hurley attempted to catch the Smith defense napping as she quickly struck a free kick in the 22^nd minute. Senior goalkeeper Shelby Hall (West Springfield, Mass./West Springfield) however reacted to the shot and made the save ending the attack.

Gabrielle Auzenbergs nearly helped the Bears find a goal in the first half as she dribbled the ball to the touch on the right side and crossed it back to freshman Kat Retz inside the Pioneers penalty box. Retz hit the shot one time towards the near post but was denied by Hall who dove to her left and knocked the ball out of play keeping the first half scoreless.

Hurley scored her second goal of the season in the 54th minute on an assist from Kylee Ballar and Auzenbergs.

The Pioneers continued to press through the rest of the second half as they saw their best opportunity come from senior Jordan Issacs as she found space on the right side of the Bears penalty box and put a shot on frame. Junior goalkeeper Rachel Boohar however made the sprawling save knocking the ball out of play.

Coast Guard held the Pioneers at bay through the rest of the second half wrapping up their sixth shutout of the season, which is tied for second in the NEWMAC.

Hall (5-7) made eight saves on nine shots on goal allowing the single score. Boohar (6-6) made three saves for her fourth shutout of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
GOAL: SMI 0 CGA 1; 53:45 - Ballar passed the ball to Auzenbergs who knocked a cross into the center of the box. Hurley charged on to the service unmarked and one timed the shot into the back of the net, giving Coast Guard the 1-0 lead.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers look to get back in the win column Saturday when they host Babson at 2:00 p.m.

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.