Bates College

Junior Julia Rice scored the game-winning, golden goal for Bates women’s soccer as the Bobcats beat Wesleyan University 1-0 in overtime on Saturday to gain Bobcat of the Week honors for the week of Sept. 15-21.

The native of Providence, R.I., ran onto a lofted ball from classmate Maggie Coco, beat two defenders to the spot, and slotted a shot past the keeper to the inside of the left post to lift the Bobcats to the victory in the 99^th minute.

Rice’s goal – her first of the season and the second of her career – helped Bates improve to 4-2-0 overall, 2-2-0 in NESCAC play, and 4-0-0 at home – their best start to a season since 2006.

The win marked the Bobcats’ second dramatic triumph in as many weekends as senior Alex Millstrom scored in the 90^th minute to give Bates a 2-1 victory over Hamilton on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Next, Bates hosts Maine Maritime Academy in its “Maine High School Night” on Wednesday at 8 p.m. under the lights at Garcelon Field.