For the ninth time this season, the women’s soccer team was able to maintain a clean defensive slate, setting a new record for the most shut outs in a single season with its win over Lehigh 3-0. The win was significant not only because of the record, but also because it clinched a spot for the Orange and Blue in the Patriot League Tournament. The Bison found success through goals from Maddie Mulford ’18, Riley Coopersmith ’19, and Alexis Gannon ’17 for the 3-0 triumph over the Mountain Hawks.

The game was stuck at a 0-0 draw until the second half, when Mulford found the net in the 54th minute off of a header from Madison Loos ’16. This goal marked Mulford’s first on the season, and the first in the game versus Lehigh.

“It felt great to get the goal. The second half we were pressing their back line much more which lead to each of our goals. We definitely stepped up as a team and capitalized on our opportunities, which lead to great success for us,” Mumford said. 

Another milestone occurred in the 76th minute of the game, when Coopersmith scored her first collegiate goal to put the team up 2-0.

“To score the goal felt so good because it put us up 2-0, which increased the lead to a more comfortable position for the last 15 minutes of the game—usually the most intense part with the most pressure,” Coopersmith said.

The momentum from the first two goals, which occurred late in the game, continued through the end of the match, when Gannon scored in the last 10 minutes of competition to round out the scoring 3-0.

Looking forward, the Bison are preparing for the upcoming Patriot League tournament, which is one of the most competitive stages they will play on this season. Their next competition will be against Army at home.

“We are looking forward to our game against Army on senior day on Halloween. This will be a big game for us, and an emotional one as it is the last home game for our seniors. We are looking to put a solid 90 minutes together and get a win for our seniors, and as always to protect our home,” Milford said. 

The Bison are set to play Army at home on Oct. 31 at 12 p.m.