SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. -- Marisa Perachi scored off a loose ball in the 15th minute and the goal held up as the winning margin as Salve Regina University defeated the Mount Holyoke College soccer team 1-0 in the NEWMAC opener for both teams Saturday at the MHC Soccer Field.
After Allie Gallagher played the ball into the middle of the Mount Holyoke penalty area, the ball bounced off players from both sides to Perachi's left foot. Perachi poked the ball past advancing Lyons goalie Clarissa Govea (Pico Rivera, Calif.) and inside the left post for the go-ahead goal. It was the Seahawks' second goal of the season through six games.
Mount Holyoke came on strong toward the end of the game with shots attempted by junior Sage Hudson (Washington, D.C.) and sophomore Ania McMichael (Glastonbury, Conn.) but couldn't get the tying score.
With eight minutes to go, Salve Regina was awarded a penalty kick, and Govea made the save on the shot by Perachi.
Salve Regina had the upper hand in game control for much of the contest, outshooting Mount Holyoke 20-7 for the game and 12-3 in the first half. The Seahawks also had an 8-0 edge in corner kicks.
Govea made eight saves for Mount Holyoke. Sabrina Lawless was credited with four saves in earning the shutout in goal for the Seahawks.
Mount Holyoke senior standout Ada Siepmann (Vlotho, Germany) made her season debut for the Lyons, nearly a year to the day since suffering an injury that ended her junior season.
Mount Holyoke (1-2-2, 0-1 NEWMAC) will play at Westfield State in a non-conference game Wednesday at 7pm. Salve Regina (2-3-1, 1-0 NEWMAC) plays at Johnson & Wales in a non-league game, also Wednesday at 7pm.
