BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Opening a season vs. a conference foe for the first time since 2013, Bates College women's soccer kicked off the 2023 campaign Tuesday at Bowdoin College, securing a 0-0 tie vs. the Polar Bears.

The stalemate not only provides the Bobcats (0-0-1) a key point in the NESCAC standings, but snaps a 10-game losing streak vs. their in-state conference rivals, dating back to 2012.

Bowdoin (0-0-1) out-shot its guest by a 4-1 margin in the first half while both squads got off four efforts apiece in the second frame. Abby Alter (So.-Washington, D.C.) topped the garnet and white with two shots, including one attempt on frame.

Ruby Reimann (Oak Bluffs, Mass.) earned the opening-day nod in net for the Bobcats as the junior grabbed a lone save in the first half. Samantha Bunar (So.-Lynnfield, Mass.) came in to play the second stanza, duplicating her teammate's effort with a save of her own, as the duo authored a combined shutout.

Bates returns to action Saturday for its home opener vs. Emerson College (0-2) at 2:00 p.m. on the brand new turf of Garcelon Field.