LEWISTON, Maine– The Bates College women's soccer team mounted a strong second-half comeback, but ultimately fell short in a 3–2 loss to Hamilton College Sunday afternoon. With the defeat, the Bobcats continue to seek their first NESCAC win, moving to 3–3–3 overall and 0–3–2 in conference play. The Continentals improved to 4–4–3 overall and 2–4–1 in the NESCAC.
Hamilton came out firing, scoring twice in the opening seven minutes. Sophomore Haley Cramer opened the scoring at 3:17, heading in a cross from first-year Lila Sullivan. Just over three minutes later, junior Sarah Flood doubled the lead with another header, this time off a pass from sophomore Kate Giglio.
Bates responded with energy after halftime. First-year Zoe Mittelsteadt netted her first career goal in the 49th minute (48:38), cutting the deficit in half. Moments later, the Bobcats capitalized on a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Sophomore Gwyn Jamison stepped up and buried the equalizer in the 51st minute (50:31), leveling the match at 2–2.
Hamilton regained the lead in the 63rd minute (62:36) when first-year Lila Sullivan converted a free kick for what proved to be the game-winner.
The match was tightly contested throughout. Hamilton held a slight edge in total shots (15–13), while both teams tallied nine shots on goal. Bates junior goalkeeper Sydney Litney recorded six saves in the effort.
The Bobcats will look to regroup and earn their first conference win when they travel to Tufts on October 11 for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
