Lady SeaWolves Defeat Albany In Season Opener

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) women's soccer team defeated United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) 3-2 in a non-conference match to begin its 2018 slate at Wainwright Recreational Complex on Saturday, Sept. 1.

First-year Ryleigh Lord (Pittsfield, Maine) opened scoring on a rebound off the post 19 minutes into the first half. Five minutes later Albany's Katie Benson, a First-Team All-American in 2017, slotted a 20-yard shot on a ball from Sadie Lozier to even the game at 1-1.

First-year Allison Acritelli (Jay, Maine) came off the bench to carry a ball into the back of the net after a hard fight into the attacking third—her first collegiate goal, assisted by R. Lord with 10 minutes remaining in the half.

The SeaWolves came out in the second half with the same intensity going up 3-1 on a goal by sophomore captain Callie O'Brien (South Portland, Maine) at the 52:26 mark. Benson cut the Panther deficit in half with her second cap of the game on a chip shot, again from distance; but it proved not enough as the SMCC defense withstood a late Albany attack.

First-year goalkeeper Dana Sirois (Saco, Maine) faced nine shots and recorded seven saves in her collegiate debut to hand Albany its second loss in the early goings.

Head Coach Ethan Wells commented, "I'm thrilled with the result, but more importantly how our ladies displayed the culture we've been working towards all pre-season. This one was a grind and everyone contributed. This is a special group and I'm excited for what's to come."

View the photo gallery of the game HERE (Courtesy of Kris Schussler).

The Lady Wolves begin 1-0-0 and are set to travel to Vermont for a weekend swing to play Green Mountain College and conference opponent Vermont Technical College on Sept. 8-9.

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