Julia Favorito scored the game's only goal in the 53^rd minute as 14^th-ranked Middlebury defeated Bates 1-0, on Saturday at Russell St. Field. The Panthers (9-1-2, 7-1-0 NESCAC) nearly doubled their total in the 56^th and 63^rd minutes with shots that went just wide, while the Bobcats (3-7-1, 1-6-1) nearly found the equalizer in the 86^th minute.

On the scoring play, Middlebury's Jamie Soroka fired a shot on net from 12 yards away which Bates goalkeeper Anabel Schmelz knocked away. The ball remained loose in front of the net, eventually finding its way to Favorito who slotted the ball into the right side of the goal, her fourth of the season.

For the Bobcats, Lily Peterson headed a ball into the net off a lofted service from Leah Humes , but the goal did not count as the play was ruled offsides.

The visitors mounted a sustained attack from the 78^th to the 83^rd minutes, registering four shots and two corner kicks during that span. Scarlett Kirk recorded three of her game-high eight shots over the period.

Middlebury goalkeeper Elizabeth Foody made two saves for her fourth shutout of the season, while Schmelz posted eight saves for the Bobcats.

Middlebury returns to action on Tuesday when they host Williams.