BRUNSWICK, ME. – Wesleyan women's soccer picks up a crucial win over nationally ranked Bowdoin. Wesleyan and Bowdoin came into this contest with NESCAC tournament implications on the line. The Polar Bears held 6^th place while the Cardinals were only a point up on Connecticut College for 7^th place entering the day. Wesleyan's win helps them jump the Polar Bears in the conference standings heading into the final game of the regular season. Grace Devanny '23 played hero, scoring a goal just 17 minutes into the game. The Cardinals defense held, behind stellar goalkeeping by Sarah Hammond '22 who made seven saves in 90 minutes. Wesleyan improves to 7-4-3 (4-3-2 NESCAC), now 6^th in the NESCAC. No. 25 Bowdoin drops to 9-4-1 (4-4-1 NESCAC), falling to 7^th in the conference.

Wesleyan holds a mere 10-32-4 record against the Polar Bears in their history, however they have taken the past five games including Saturday afternoon's contest. The defense has been especially impressive on the road against Bowdoin, holding them to just two goals in the last three games in Brunswick.

Despite the low scoring game, there were plenty of scoring chances for both teams. The Cardinals came out on the attack, Devanny found open space down the left side. She sent a cross to an open Isabelle Martin '23 who gathered and ripped a shot which was deflected by a Bowdoin defender. Bowdoin had a handful of chances over the next five minutes, but Hammond turned them away.

Then in the 17^th minute, Andi Wiley '22 sent a corner kick to the far side of the field which was knocked around before Devanny was able to gather it and produce a shot that beat Alex Arndt. Devanny had another chance to extend the lead minutes later, but was turned away by Arndt. Bowdoin managed two shots over the final 30 minutes, both of which were handled by Hammond.

Both teams applied offensive pressure throughout the second half, manufacturing a combined 12 shots. Wesleyan had another early-half opportunity, with Martin launching a shot from the left side of the field. Arndt turned it away, attempting to keep it at a one-score game. The Wesleyan defense held the Polar Bears without a shot over the final 22 minutes, maintaining their 1-0 lead.

Devanny scores her 5^th goal of the season, her 2^nd game-winner of 2022. Hammond completes her 3^rd shutout of the season, making a season-high seven saves in the process.

Women's soccer will play in their regular season finale Tuesday night at Connecticut College. The game comes with more NESCAC tournament implications, with Wesleyan sitting at 6^th with 14 points, while Conn. College sits in the final NESCAC tournament spot (8^th) with 11 points.