The Panthers, who were out shot 21-13, scored two first half goals to beat Bates on Dragone Field. Middlebury entered the game ranked second in New England, while Bates was third.

Middlebury's two goals came early as they opened the scoring at 7:46. Erin Pittenger found Caity Abshere with a crossing pass that she shot high into the corner. Just 42 seconds later, a nice feed from Abshere led to a breakaway by Brittany Cronin, as she converted to make it a 2-0 game.

Bates came back with solid pressure, as Els Van Woert made a great diving save on Allison Emery to keep it a 2-0 game at the 13:20.

In the second half, Bates was able to get on the board at 66:37 when Kim Alexander's shot from the left found the right corner of the goal. Van Woert was stellar in goal, notching 10 saves, while, Emily Howieson made seven saves for Bates.

Date: October 23, 2004

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Site: Middlebury, Vt. 

TEAM  1  2  OT  OT  F

Bates (9-3-1)  0  1  -  -  1

Middlebury (10-0-2)  2  0  -  -  2 

SCORING SUMMARY

M - 1st (7:46) - Caity Abshere (Erin Pittenger)

M - 1st (8:28) - Brittany Cronin (Abshere)

B - 2nd (66:37) - Kim Alexander

GOALKEEPING SUMMARY

Els Van Woert-M (89:57 min., 10 saves, 1 GA)

Nancy Schneider-M (:03 min., 0 saves, 0 GA)

Emily Howieson-B (90 min., 7 saves, 2 GA)