MIDDLETOWN, CT. – Women's soccer picks up a big conference win Sunday afternoon at Jackson Field over the Bates Bobcats, 3-0. On a nice breezy fall afternoon, the Cardinals were able to take control early to roll to a multi-score win over their NESCAC foe. Grace Devanny '23 was a major contributor in this one, scoring a goal and adding an assist on way to a three-point afternoon. Wesleyan secures a much-needed NESCAC victory to improve to 5-4-2 (3-3-1 NESCAC). As of the end of this game, the Cardinals hold the 6th spot in the conference rankings. They defeat the Bobcats who fall to 3-6-2 (0-5-2 NESCAC).

The two teams have played a very even series since their first meeting back in 1994, however the Cardinals have dominated the recent matchups against the Bobcats. Wesleyan has taken the past four matchups including today, outscoring Bates 13-1 in that span. There were many similarities between this years and last year's version of this matchup, including the 3-0 Wesleyan win, and three different Cardinals contributing a goal.

Wesleyan dominated the first half of this one, scoring two goals on 10 shots while holding the Bobcats without a shot. Devanny applied early pressure for the Cardinals, recording a shot just seven minutes in that was bobbled by Bobcats' goalie, Samantha Bunar before she was able to corral it. Just a few minutes later the Cardinals had a free kick opportunity from 30+ yards out. Dani Milovanov '23 delivered a lofting free kick that just fit inside the crossbar to give Wesleyan the early lead.

The Cardinals added their second goal of the first half in the 33^rd minute. Just after some substitutions came in from both sides, it was Wesleyan that struck again. Andi Wiley '22 delivered a beautiful cross from the left side of the field that found the head of Devanny to beat the Bobcats' keeper once again. The two defenses held over the final 12 minutes, heading into the break with the score 2-0 Wesleyan.

In the second half, both teams had a few scoring chances early in the period. Wesleyan's best early half opportunity came in the 57^th minute. Audrey Lavey '23 got a head on a cross that nearly found the foot of Milovanov, but was handled by Bunar. The Cardinals put the icing on the cake with a late insurance goal in the 67^th minute. Andrea Chiappetti '24 one-timed a nice pocket-pass by Devanny, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 victory.

Sarah Hammond '22 made three saves in 78 minutes of action Sunday afternoon, while Bates' Bunar was able to turn away four saves on six shots in the first half. Bunar was relived by Ruby Reimann in the 2^nd half who made two saves on three shots. Devanny had a three-point game, scoring her 4^th goal of the season. Milovanov ties Devanny for the team-lead with her 4^th goal as well. Chiappetti adds her first goal of the season.

Wesleyan looks to build off of this win moving into their next game against Williams on October 15^th for Senior Day, starting at noon.