MANCHESTER, N.H. - - In a matchup of regionally ranked teams, a first half goal held up for the Wilmington University women's soccer team as it defeated Saint Anselm, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at Melucci Field.
Both the Hawks (2-1) and the Wildcats (2-2) were in the Top 10 of the United Soccer Coaches East Region Poll this week, with the Hawks ranked No. 6 and the Wildcats ranked No. 7. Saint Anselm was coming off a 1-0 win over No. 4 Franklin Pierce while the Wildcats were coming off a loss to No. 1 Southern New Hampshire.
Ariana Meyers made five saves in the first half to keep the Hawks off the board, including three following the 40th minute goal from Sharon Freire Omonigho. It was the sophomore's first goal of the season and the team's only shot of the first half. The Hawks outshot the Wildcats, 13-1, in the first half.
Alyssa Ruggeri won a corner for the Wildcats and Ellie Lawrence sent the ball to the far post. The ball was headed into a pile of defenders and ultimately bounced right to Sharon Freire Omonigho. Her first touch strike went back across the goal and under the goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead.
Cadence Serrano had two shots on goal in the second half while Mio Nakajima came on in relief in goal and stopped both shots that were on goal to secure the victory and the shutout.
The Wildcats went 2-2 against four regionally ranked opponents to start the season and now begin their trek through the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. They open on the road at Chestnut Hill on Tuesday night at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. The opening kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m.