Two No. 7s – Westfield’s Ashleigh Chretien and Smith’s Jordon Houston – battle for ball possession. (Photo by Mickey Curtis)
WESTFIELD – Senior forward Leann Rivard (Chicopee/Comp HS) recorded three assists to lead the undefeated Westfield State University women’s soccer team to a 3-0 non-conference victory over Smith College last night.
The Owls continued their program’s best-ever start by improving their record to 9-0-1 heading into Saturday’s key conference game vs. Worcester State. Smith is 4-4.
Westfield freshman Ashley Bovat keeps the ball in play near the sideline during early first-half action vs. Smith College.
Westfield outshot Smith, 12-0, in the first half, including a wicked shot by Rivard that hit the crossbar, but the host squad was unable to light up the scoreboard.
The Owls scored twice early in the second half following corner kicks by Rivard. Senior Colleen Bazinet headed in the game-winning score in the 50th minute and sophomore Lauren McLaughlin scored off a corner in the 58th minute.
Senior Kayley Miller (Ludlow) capped the scoring in the 68th minute with a blast under the crossbar from 30 yards. Miller leads the Owls with 10 goals and 27 points.
Westfield outshot Smith, 21-4. Smith goalie Cody Norris had six saves. Sophomore Nicky Stasz (Easthampton/Hampshire Regional) was between the pipes for the Owls in the second half. She recorded two saves and was credited with the victory.
