Senior captain Julie Brown netted her first goal this season, narrowing the gap to 2-1.

LEWISTON, Maine -- The Babson College women's soccer team scored twice in the first half and held off host Bates College 2-1 in a non-conference game Thursday evening at Russell Street Field.

Babson raised its record to 5-2-2, while Bates fell to 1-3, in a defensive battle that featured only eight shots by Babson and seven by Bates.

Babson sophomore Patty Pytlik (Wellesley, Mass.) put the Beavers on the scoreboard in the 29th minute, when she volleyed a rebounded save of her own shot off the hands of Bates sophomore goalie Brittney French (Auburn, Maine) and over the goal line.

Babson made it 2-0 less than two minutes later. Senior Laura Bucci (Norfolk, Mass.) sent a ball from midfield into the face of the goal, where senior Jackie Graham (Winchester, Mass.) was there to head the ball under French's reach.

Bates stepped up its offensive pressure in the second half after narrowing the gap to 2-1 in the 51st minute. Senior Julie Brown (Lynnfield, Mass.) blasted a ball from 35 yards out that looped over Babson sophomore goalie Sarah Macary (Woodbury, Conn.) and into the net. After several big scoring chances fell short for the Bobcats, the Beavers were able to recollect themselves defensively and protect their lead.

Bates next plays a NESCAC game at Tufts University on Saturday at 12 noon; Babson will play at Springfield at the same time.

STATS: Babson 2, Bates 1