Catie Collins' (Scranton, PA/Scranton Prep) first-career goal gave the New York University Women's Soccer Team a 1-0 victory over Drew University on Saturday, September 18, in Madison, NJ. The Violets improved to 2-2 on the season and earned their first shutout of 2021.

A defensive battle took shape in the first half, with the Violets holding Drew (4-2) without a shot during the opening 45 minutes and attempting just five of their own. Three of NYU's five attempts were on goal and saved by Rangers' keeper Anthi Panayides, while neither side lined up for a corner kick in the first half.

These trends shifted early in the second, as Alexa Krause fired off Drew's first shot of the game in the 52nd minute and NYU netminder Riley Felsher (Pennington, NJ/Princeton Day School) came up with the save. The gridlock lasted until Sam March (Glastonbury, CT/Kingswood Oxford School) found Collins in the 72nd minute, who finished a one-timer in front of the net for her first collegiate goal and a 1-0 Violets lead.

"We looked to sharpen some things up and make improvements at halftime," said Head Coach Michele Canning. "We had a much better second half with some good chances. It was great to get the goal and then be able to put the game away."

Collins' strike endured as the game-winner with neither team attempting another shot for the remainder of the contest. Felsher earned her first collegiate win in goal with the shutout.

NYU returns to the pitch tomorrow (Sept. 19), hosting Sarah Lawrence College at Gaelic Park with kickoff set for noon.