Conn host NESCAC soccer doubleheader today

Connecticut College will make a soccer history on Saturday when the men's and women's programs host New England Small College Athletic Conference tournament matches on the same day for the first time.

The second-seeded women's team (12-21) welcomes No. 7 Amherst College (8-6-1) at 11:30 a.m., while the No. 4 men's team (9-2-4) plays No. 5 Middlebury College (105) at 2 p.m.

The winners advance to the NESCAC semifinals the following weekend with each of the tournament champions receiving an automatic bid into their respective NCAA Division III tournaments.

The Conn women, who are seeking their third NCAA bid in four seasons, are led by freshman Kat Norton with seven goals and four each by Michelle Medina and Alex Baltazar. The Camels, led by goalie Bryanna Montville and senior defenders Mackenzie Kingston, have posted eight shutouts.

Conn beat Amherst 3-2 during the regular season, rallying to win on a goal by Sara Kogelmann.

The Conn men have never won the NESCAC tournament title and are seeking their first NCAA tournament bid since 1995. The Camels beat Middlebury for the first time in 25 years 2-1 during the regular season.

They are led by junior Ben Manoogian's eight goals and one assist, including three game-winning goals, and freshman goalie A.J. Marcucci, who has six shutouts and a goals against average of just 0.51 per game.

Conn also went nearly 600 minutes without allowing a goal from Sept. 17 to Oct. 7.