NEW LONDON, Conn. – Danica Zicha (Belmont, Mass.) scored with 1:13 remaining as the Connecticut College women's soccer team retained the Whale Cup the 15th straight year with the Camels coming away with a 1-0 win over visiting Coast Guard on Wednesday night from Silfen Field.
Coast Guard opened the game with the first shot of the evening as Ella Pottle forced a save from Maia Kafer (Philadelphia, Pa.) in the fifth minute. Conn responded with pressure, putting their first two shots of the night on goal, but both Lucy Hurlbut (Westport, Conn.) and Mae Mastrullo (Hudson, Mass.) were stopped by Julia Little.
The Camels remained on the front foot, as Hailey Stern (Millwood, N.Y.) had a shot saved by Little on to the post. The Bears had the last chance of the half, as Lulu Vlases took a freekick that struck the topside of the crossbar, keeping the game scoreless at the break.
Coast Guard forced an early save from Kafer just 55 seconds in, before Maya Griffin (Madison, Wis.) was denied by Little. Just past the 11 minute mark, Conn had a great chance to take the lead, as Morgan Lovell (Franklin, Mass.) was taken down in the box for a penalty kick. Unfortunately, Lovell's spot kick went just wide, keeping the game scoreless.
The Camels remained on the front foot looking for the go-ahead marker, but were unable to solve Little. However, with just over a minute remaining, Conn earned a corner kick. The corner was played into the box, ultimately falling to Zicha who fired home to give the Camels the 1-0 victory.
Conn outshot Coast Guard 18-5, including 8-2 on shots on goal, while holding a 3-0 edge on corners.
Kafer picked up the win in net, finishing with two saves. Zicha tallied the lone goal of the contest, while Hurlbut put two shots on target.
Little got the start in goal for the Bears, recording seven saves.
Conn (3-2-1, 1-2-1 NESCAC) returns to action on Saturday as the Camels host their first conference home game, taking on Hamilton at 11:00 a.m. on Freeman Field.
