CNE PLAYOFFS: Fifth-Seeded Women's Soccer Knocks Off Fourth-Seeded WNE, 2-0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Endicott women's soccer team shut out Western New England, 2-0, in early Saturday afternoon Conference of New England (CNE) Playoff action at Suprenant Field.

Fifth-seeded Endicott hopped out to a quick 1-0 lead thanks to Riley Rischitelli (North Brookfield, Mass.). The senior forward tracked down a loose ball in the WNE box and hammered it home to put the Gulls on top first.

That goal was the lone score of the first half. The Gulls defensive pressure stymied the Golden Bears throughout the first stanza, limiting them to just four shots (one on net) through the opening 45.

In the second half, the Gulls were able to break through the WNE defense once more in the 65th minute. Rischitelli connected with Morgan Hubert (Southington, Conn.) on a beautiful deep ball down field to set up a soft, perfectly placed tap in for a Hubert insurance tally.

The Gulls defense held the hosts at bay the rest of the way, icing the 2-0 road victory. Madeline Barbieri (Cranston, R.I.), Chloe Bauman (Southington, Conn.), Michelle Donahue (Melrose, Mass.), Carly Matthews (Suffield, Conn.), and Callie Neils (Brentwood, N.H.) played the full 90 from the backfield and locked up the Golden Bears offense.

Samantha MacCormack (Danvers, Mass.) got the nod in net and picked up three saves in her third shutout of the season, several times coming off her line to break up potential WNE scoring threats.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The Gulls move to 17-6-3 in the all-time series versus the Golden Bears.
• With today's win, the Gulls have now eliminated WNE in back-to-back postseasons (11/4/2023, 1-0, CCC Championship).
• First goal for Rischitelli since 9/21/24 at Hartford. Endicott is 4-0-0 when she scores this season.
• Fifth goal of the season for Hubert (career-high).
• Head Coach Jodi Kenyon rolled out a season low three subs in today's contest, largely relying on her starters in the must-win.

WHAT'S NEXT

Fifth-seeded Endicott (10-5-4) travels to top seed Hartford for a 5 PM CNE Semifinal matchup on Tuesday, November 5. Fourth-seeded WNE (10-4-6) sees its 2024 campaign come to a close with today's loss. 

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(Photo Credit - Mazzie Hinsdale '26)