LEICESTER, Mass. – The Becker College women's soccer team has been slotted sixth in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) women's soccer tournament, as announced by the league Thursday (Oct. 25) morning.
The Hawks completed the regular season under the direction of second-year head coach Anthony Cosky at 9-7-3 (4-4-1 NECC). Senior forward Lindsey Keith (Sutton, Mass.) led not just the Hawks' offense this season, but also was the conference leader in goals (24), points (52) shots (103) and penalty kicks (3-4). She finished the regular season second in the league with four game-winning goals. To the left side of Keith was sophomore transfer, Shannon Kelley (Bellingham, Mass.) who led the conference in assists this season with 13. Both Keith and Kelley are ranked nationally: Keith is ranked second in all of NCAA Division III in total goals and fifth in in points, while Kelley is ranked sixth in total assists. The defense was controlled by freshman Mariposa Nash-Gibney (Burlington, Vt.). Rookie goalie Lyndsey Cobb-Wilkins (Elmira, N.Y.) made 12 starts this season in net.
Lesley was tabbed the regular season champions as they were undefeated in conference play at 9-0-0.
The tournament will begin on Saturday (Oct. 27) with the No. 1-2-3-4 seeds hosting 8-7-6-5 seeds, respectively. The semifinals will be played on Wednesday (Oct. 31), and the championship is scheduled for next Saturday (Nov. 3). The schedule is below:
First Round – Saturday, October 27
#8 Dean (2-6-1) at #1 Lesley (9-0-0) – 6 p.m. (Arlington High School)
#7 Bay Path (3-6-0) at #2 New England College (7-1-1) - 4:30 p.m.
#6 Becker (4-4-1*) at #3 Elms (7-2-0) – 1 p.m.
#5 Eastern Nazarene (4-4-1*) at #4 Southern Vermont (6-3-0) – 12 p.m.
*Tiebreaker #2 (Head-to-Head) utilized as ENC defeated Becker earlier this season.
Semifinals – Wednesday, October 31 (at highest seed)
Game 5: Game 4 winner vs. Game 1 Winner– TBD
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 2 Winner – TBD
Championship – Saturday, November 3 (at highest seed)
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner – TBA