MIDDLEBURY, Vt. -- The Bates women's soccer team played a deceptively competitive game at Middlebury on Saturday, with the host Panthers winning the NESCAC contest 2-0 on a pair of first-half goals.

The Bobcats (7-6, 3-5 NESCAC) played toe-to-toe with the Panthers (8-5, 4-4) statistically. Shots were 8-7 in Middlebury's favor and corner kicks were even at 3-3.

The Panthers had a great chance to score in the third minute of play. Jamie Soroka crossed a ball that was headed off the left post by Claire Nishioka.

Middlebury broke through later in the first half when Nishioka netted her fourth of the year at the 22:45 mark. Soroka made a crossing pass from deep in the right corner that Nishioka was able to tap into the back of the net.

The led increased to 2-0 with a goal from Moria Sloan 33:28 into the half. Katlyn Casey found Sloan with some space, as she lofted a shot over Bates sophomore goalkeeper Sarah McCarthy's (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) head and into the back of the net.    

The Panthers lead 2-0 heading into the halftime break and neither team put on substantial pressure in the final 45 minutes of the contest.

Emily Eslinger made a pair of saves in goal to earn her fourth shutout of the season, while McCarthy made two stops for the Bobcats.

First-year players Libby Malasky (Dedham, Mass.) and Ana Urbina (Bow, N.H.) were responsible for Bates' two shots on goal.

The Bobcats are idle for a week before they host first-place Williams next Saturday at 11am, during Homecoming Weekend.