HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton women's soccer started its 2023 conference slate on a positive note, shutting out visiting Elmira, 1-0, on Burke Field on Saturday.

The win came in dramatic fashion, as Natalie Milne broke open the scoreless tie with a shot that deflected off a Soaring Eagles defender and off the keeper's hands in the 89th minute.

GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton 1 | Elmira 0
Location: Houghton, N.Y. | Burke Field
Attendance: 125
Records: Houghton 2-3-1; 1-0-0 | Elmira 2-4-1; 0-1-0 E8

DETAILS
>> Houghton controlled play throughout the contest and had numerous scoring opportunities.
>> The Soaring Eagles got stellar play from keeper Nevaeh Winston, who kept the Highlanders off the board until the game winner.
>> Houghton had a chance to get a lead midway through the second half, but Winston dove to turn away a shot from Taylor Curyto.
>> Milne's goal was set up by a perfectly placed pass from Anna-Lena Gilbert. Milne calmly settled the ball and ripped a shot that richocheted into the net.

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton outshot Elmira, 20-3, and held a 12-1 advantage in shots on goal.
>> Winston made 11 stops for the Eagles.
>> Alliah Fluent got the shutout win for the Highlanders, stopping the only shot she faced.

COACH'S CORNER
"It's always great getting a win, but winning our first conference game is huge for us. We stayed the course and persisted through the full 90 minutes and ultimately, were able to pull out the win." -- Head Coach Esther Pellegrino

UP NEXT
The Highlanders head back out on the road for their next contest when they travel to take on Hilbert on Wednesday, September 20 at 4 p.m.