Following a very strong performance against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) powerhouse Amherst, the Colby women’s soccer team was looking to build momentum against Husson last Tuesday. However, Colby continued to have problems with their offense.

20 minutes into the first half, Husson opened the scoring through Michelle Manning ’11. Unfortunately, Colby was unable to turn the tables as they mustered only one shot on target all game. This lack of offensive openings has plagued the Mules all season.

Colby’s outstanding defense and goalkeeping remained strong. The defense, led by captain Su-Lin Del Guercio ’11, did not allow another goal all game. Senior goalkeeper Loni Pisani had another strong outing with three saves.

Goalkeeping has been the highlight of Colby’s season thus far. Sophomore goalie Jayde Bennett has recorded five shutouts this year and was named a NESCAC player of the week earlier in the season. Pisani came back from an injury and recorded a shutout of her own two weeks ago.

With only two games left in the regular season, the Mules hoped to welcome their parents to Colby with a win on Saturday against Connecticut College (Conn).

The Mules got off to a good start, as Carly Dee ’14 scored with six minutes remaining in the first half. Less than two minutes later, Conn tied it up with an unassisted goal by Kate Wegener ’14. Colby hoped to take the lead back in the second half, but Katelyn Driscoll ’12  gave the Camels the advantage with 37 minutes left to play. Colby wasn’t able to find the back of the net again, and Conn went home with a 2-1 victory.

The defeat leaves Colby winless in conference play despite four wins against non-conference opponents.

The Mules’ record does not show how well they have been able to keep up with NESCAC leaders Amherst and third-place Middlebury. They were also able to tie Trinity, Wesleyan and Bowdoin, all three of which are playoff-bound.

So why is Colby at the bottom of the NESCAC standings? In this powerhouse conference, sometimes good, even great, teams are left out. Colby was able to stick with the league’s elite, but they were unable to finish. Be sure that Colby will be back stronger next year, and ready to make a run at the playoffs.

Before the Mules start preparing for next year, they will face long-time rival Bates at home on Friday to close out the season. A Colby win would not only put a positive end to the season, but also knock Bates out of the playoffs.