Emily Welch's first half goal was the difference as the Sweet Briar College soccer team defeated Guilford College 1-0 on Saturday at Babcock Field.



Welch collected a low cross from first-year Stephanie Scott in the 29th minute, and scored on a good finish inside the far post.

The pair nearly linked up again in the 87th minute, as Scott played Welch through up the middle but Guilford goalie Caitlin Young produced a tough diving stop to her right side.

Sweet Briar had another great chance to put the game away with two minutes remaining. Junior Ashley Federico looped a shot over Young that hit the corner of the post, and Welch put the rebound over from close range.

Scott, Kelsey Barta, Marissa McCord and Jaden Nichols started across the back as the Vixen defense turned in another impressive, organized performance. After holding Washington & Lee to one goal on Wednesday, SBC shut down Guilford for the team's fourth shutout of the season.

A measured first half saw only two shots for each team, with the first not coming for over 10 minutes- a long range attempt from Cassie Vaughn that was easily caught by Sweet Briar goalie Katie Tillson.

The Vixens tried to find Kayla Kishbaugh down the right wing throughout the opening period. Kaila Beale nearly connected on a through ball, and then McCord hit Kishbaugh over the top only for Young to smother the chance.

Guilford had some chances as the game went on, but the Quakers were mostly kept at bay by the Vixen backline. Madalyn Carpenter won a header on a corner kick that was blocked by McCord, and Morgan Henderson fired high off a cross from Kelli Uresti.

A dangerous cross landed at Henderson's feet just a yard out from the left post in the 83rd minute, but the ball had gone over the endline before reaching her.

Sweet Briar improves to 5-2, 2-2 ODAC, and faces a tough home test on Wednesday against Virginia Wesleyan.

Check back Monday for video highlights of the victory, and interviews with some of the key Sweet Briar performers.