(Courtesy Smith College Sports Information)

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. -- A balanced, strong, attack led the Smith College women's soccer team to a 3-0 win over the University of Maine at Farmington on Saturday afternoon.  The Pioneers improve to 2-0 with the win, while the Beavers fall to 0-1 with the defeat.

Smith dominated proceedings, outshooting UMF 25-4, including a 12-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Pioneers had chances from the outset, as Aidan Hitt's free kick from 20 yards out flew over the bar, and Lily Eriksen forced UMF goalie Beth Lebel into a save.

The Pioneers got the only goal they would need in the 13th minute, as Jordan Houston slipped in GiGi Ross, who beat Lebel to the far post for her first goal of the season.   Five minutes later, Smith doubled their advantage.  It was Houston who again turned provider, playing a ball to the feet of Eriksen, who slotted home past Lebel.

Smith could have had a third just before halftime when Jenna BiCierro forced a header over the bar, but just after the break, the Pioneers did get their third goal.  Innis Hitt broke in alone down the left wing, stepped inside her defender, and curled a shot past Lebel's outstretched arms for her first collegiate marker.

Smith could have had more goals in the second half, as Lizzy Jarrett and BiCierro drews saves from Lebel, and Houston placed a shot just wide.  

Lebel finished with nine saves in the Beavers' net, while Lynch made two stops to earn her first career shutout. Freshman Heather King and sophomore Meryl Bond recorded the Beavers' shots on goal.

"This was a tough one for us today," said UMaine-Farmington head coach Molly Wilkie. "But our underclassmen showed great improvement just from the first half to the second, and were able to adjust to the speed of the play and physicality of the game rather quickly. We had some great efforts today from Alex Crocker, Angelica Horne, and Renée Dupre.

UMF travels to Rivier College for a 1 p.m. game tomorrow afternoon, while Smith will travel to Simmons College for the first of four straight road games.  Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

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