**Bowdoin and Colby Women’s Soccer Teams Eye Home Playoff Berths for NESCAC Tournament**
The Bowdoin and Colby women’s soccer teams are both aiming to secure home playoff berths for the upcoming NESCAC tournament. While both coaches acknowledged the advantage of playing on their own fields, they emphasized that it isn’t a necessity for postseason success.
“We love having the opportunity to play on Pickard; it’s a special place and a beautiful field,” Bowdoin coach Brianne Smithson wrote in an email. “We are ready to play anywhere, though, and have shown that we can get strong results on the road as well as at home.”
Bowdoin (10-4 overall, 5-4 NESCAC) currently sits fifth in the conference after a 2-1 loss to Amherst on Saturday. The defeat marked the Polar Bears’ first loss in nine home games.
Colby, known for its road-game resilience, entered the 2024 NESCAC tournament as the sixth seed and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament last season. Coach Seth Benjamin commented on the program’s growth, saying, “I think it’s been pretty consistent both home and away. But I think it’s a reflection of the steps that we as a program wanted to take, right?”
The Mules (8-3-3 overall, 4-3-2 NESCAC) are currently seventh in the conference following a 1-0 home loss to Wesleyan on Saturday.
Both teams have distinguished themselves defensively this season. The Mules have allowed just 0.71 goals per game, while the Polar Bears have conceded only four goals over seven October games.
“As the season began, we spoke about using September to learn so we could perform in October,” Smithson added. “We are benefiting from lessons learned from each match this season and the team’s dedication to continuous improvement.”
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**Gorham Native Among Top NCAA Division III Field Hockey Scorers**
Brooke Farquhar of Colby-Sawyer has proven to be a prolific scorer this season. Farquhar leads her team with 23 goals, tying her for fourth place nationally among NCAA Division III players through Thursday’s games. She also leads the Chargers with 12 assists.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s boasts two players among the nation’s top scorers. Maya Waryas is tied for seventh with 20 goals, and Kienna Haley is tied for 10th with 19 goals.
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**Golfers End Fall Season on a High Note**
University of Southern Maine freshman Keenan Buteau of Scarborough finished tied for third at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Men’s Golf Championship on October 19. Buteau shot 3-over par during the tournament held at The Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster, Massachusetts. His strong performance earned him All-New England honors, awarded to the top six finishers.
On the women’s side, Victoria Adams of Bates earned medalist honors at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Women’s Golf Championship. Adams shot 4-over par, finishing eight shots ahead of teammate Mehar Nijjer. Bates took home the team title at 55-over par.
Additionally, University of New England junior Abby Flanagan of Monmouth finished third in the women’s championship, just one shot behind Nijjer.
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With strong performances across multiple sports, these athletes and teams continue to showcase the competitive spirit and talent within the New England collegiate athletic community.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/25/home-field-advantage-is-in-reach-for-bowdoin-and-colby-womens-soccer-teams/
