Courtesy Bowdoin Sports Information

Box Score

BRUNSWICK, Maine - Bowdoin sophomore Dana Riker scored twice to lead the Polar Bear women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Trinity in a NESCAC First-Round match on Sunday. The Polar Bears (12-3-0) advance to next weekend's semifinal round, where they will face Tufts University at Williams College. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. The Bantams finish their season with a record of 7-5-3.

Although the Polar Bears controlled the pace of play in the early going, several chances were swept aside by the strong play of Bantam goaltender Emily Weedon, who collected six saves in the opening stanza. Bowdoin was finally able to break through on a near-perfect effort late in the period after earning their eighth corner kick of the frame.

Ann Zeigler played a high volley into the box, where Riker was positioned in the scoring area. Riker headed the ball into the top-left corner, beyond the outstretched arms of Weedon to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the 43rd minute. Riker added to the Bowdoin lead quickly after intermission, heading home another goal, this time off a cross from rookie Christina Aceto to give the Polar Bears a two-goal lead with 40 minutes remaining.

Bowdoin netminder Kat Popoff would make the lead stand, stopping all four shots in her third solo shutout of the year. Weedon ended with 13 saves in net for Trinity.

The win sends the Polar Bears to their seventh NESCAC Semifinal appearance in the eight-year history of the tournament. Despite the seven berths in the semis, Bowdoin has yet to reach the NESCAC Championship Game. The Polar Bears lost their regular season battle with Tufts, 4-1 on October 6.