GORHAM, MAINE – Fifth-seeded Rhode Island College scored three goals in the first half and held off a late push from fourth-seeded Southern Maine for a 3-2 victory in the first round of the Little East Conference (LEC) Women’s Soccer Championship Saturday at Hannaford Field.

Sarah Pimentel, Amber Almeida and Aryanna Tirado each scored for the Anchorwomen, who improved to 9-6-3 and advanced to the semifinals. Southern Maine finished its season at 8-10-2.

The Huskies struck first when Lizzy Neal scored her second goal of the season at 16:18. The advantage lasted until the 26th minute, when Southern Maine goalkeeper McKenzie Vano received a red card and Rhode Island College was awarded a penalty kick. Pimentel converted at 25:16 for her sixth goal of the season, tying the match at 1-1.

The Anchorwomen followed with two goals in a span of 1:17 to take control. Almeida put Rhode Island College ahead at 31:46 with her first goal of the season, and Tirado extended the lead to 3-1 at 33:03. The three goals came within a span of 7:47.

Southern Maine continued to generate chances, outshooting Rhode Island College 7-4 in the opening half. Charley Baillie hit the post in the 42nd minute, but the Anchorwomen maintained their two-goal advantage entering halftime.

Both teams played with 10 players after Rhode Island College’s Yassin Joof received a red card at 63:54. Southern Maine was awarded a penalty kick on the play, but Kadin Davoren’s attempt went wide.

Mia Wetzel brought the Huskies within one at 74:44, finishing off an assist from Neal for her second goal of the season. Rhode Island College goalkeeper Nicole Nunes preserved the lead with a save on another Wetzel attempt at 86:03, and Southern Maine’s final header went wide as time expired.

Nunes finished with four saves for the Anchorwomen. Vano recorded one save before her departure, while Kaylee Vasiloff made one stop over the final 64:44 for Southern Maine.

The Huskies finished with an 18-10 advantage in shots, including a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. Rhode Island College held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.