Women’s soccer charges through first week

Junior+forward+Bianca+Robbins+has+scored+7+of+the+12+goals+for+the+Hawks+so+far+this+season.+

Chloe Noyes

Junior forward Bianca Robbins has scored 7 of the 12 goals for the Hawks so far this season.

Andrew Hart, Sports Manager

Women’s soccer capped off their first week of the regular season with an impressive triad of victories fueled by a high octane offensive attack along with a poised defensive effort on the opposite side of the field.

 

In their first three games, the Hawks totaled 12 goals, all while allowing zero to their opponents. Junior forward Bianca Robbins accounted for 7 of the 12 goals.

 

The onslaught of offensive and defensive prowess debuted on Sept. 1 when the Hawks opened their season with a shutout 3-0 win against Framingham State University at Bayside Field.

 

The strong play carried over into the first match of the Rhode Island Cup on Sept. 3, as the Hawks routed Rhode Island College 8-0, behind four goals by Robbins.

 

With a quick turnaround, the Hawks traveled to Johnson and Wales University on Sept. 4 where they secured the inaugural Rhode Island Cup in an extremely physical match highlighted by the defensive presence by both squads.

 

“We were equal to the challenge,” said Tim Moody, head coach of the women’s soccer team.

 

“The physicality has actually strengthened our resolve and made us more of a collective unit,” said Moody.

 

Besides the lone goal of the game scored by Robbins in the 51st minute, the defining moments of the match came in the 58th minute and the 89th minute.

 

In the 58th minute, senior goalkeeper Morgan McCutcheon made a clutch, diving save off of a penalty kick by Johnson and Wales midfielder Olivia Cairrao to keep the Wildcats scoreless.

 

During the final minute of the match, the Hawks defended 2 corner kicks by Wildcats, and forced a shot on goal that missed wide left to secure the victory.

 

“The tougher the match, the more we progress and move towards our main goal,” said Moody.

 

The three wins come as the Hawks battle through an injury plagued roster. The Hawks have been sharp though, due in part to the depth of players they field on any given gameday.

 

“We are slowly returning to full capacity, and we are beginning to understand what it takes to get to the next level,” said Moody.

 

“We have depth, when called upon the next player has stepped up to the task and role that has been assigned to them,” said Moody.

 

The Hawks were scheduled to face Connecticut College on Sept. 8, but the match was postponed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases on the Connecticut College campus. Instead, the Hawks will hit the pitch next on Friday and Saturday as they travel to Henniker, N.H. to compete in the New England College Tournament.