LEWISTON, Maine — Sophomore Gabriella Smith recorded eight saves as the Husson University women's soccer team earned a 0-0 draw against Bates College in non-conference action Tuesday at Russell Street Track and Field.
Husson (2-3-2) earned two corner kicks in the opening 10 minutes, while Smith stopped an attempt from Gwyn Jamison in the eighth minute to keep Bates (1-2-1) off the scoreboard. Junior Paige Dunn recorded the Eagles' first shot in the 12th minute, sending her attempt high.
Smith helped Husson withstand a stretch of pressure midway through the half, recording three saves in just over two minutes. She denied Eleanor Martin in the 23rd minute before stopping attempts from Whitney Ladich and Olivia Becker to maintain the scoreless tie.
The Eagles entered halftime even despite a 7-1 Bates advantage in shots, with Smith collecting four saves over the opening 45 minutes.
Husson generated an opportunity early in the second half, earning a corner kick in the 51st minute before junior Hailey Tarbox recorded a shot in the 52nd minute. The Eagles added another corner in the 57th minute but were unable to break through.
Smith and the Eagles' defense continued to shine, stopping Jamison in the 63rd minute and Keelan Mader in the 66th minute before denying another Jamison attempt in the 68th minute.
The Bobcats pressed for a late winner, but Smith turned away Jamison once more with three minutes remaining for her eighth save of the night. Bates sent two more attempts high in the closing minutes as Husson secured the shutout.
Smith played all 90 minutes and finished with four saves in each half. Dunn and Tarbox each recorded a shot for the Eagles.
Husson will continue its road stretch Sunday when it visits No. 5 Tufts University for an 11:30 a.m. matchup.
