Gillis breaks Division II record for shutout minutes
Captain and goalkeeper Jaime Gillis set the NCAA division II record for consecutive shutout minutes in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Southern Connecticut at Cushing Field.
Gillis has gone a total of 1,232 minutes without allowing a goal, breaking the previous record of 1,192 set in 1997. The senior goalie from North Billerica had the full support of the River Hawk faithful behind her, and her teammates’ defensive stance and offensive production helped her cause.
In the 37th minute of play, sophomore midfielder Kaitlyn McHugh scored a header into the far post from a Colleen Fitzpatrick assist for a 1-0 ‘Hawks lead. Later in the 53rd minute junior midfielder Brianne Bozzella scored her sixth goal of the year with a header after a break away to make the score 2-0 ‘Hawks.
Freshman forward Colleen Soper capitalized on a penalty kick in the 65th minute to cement the 3-0 victory, the River Hawks’ 11th of the season.
Gillis’ record is an impressive feat that should lead to her gaining national recognition.
“I’m really, really happy for her,” said head coach Elie Monteiro, “she’s a good kid, Her attitude has not changed from the day she was a freshman. “
The ‘Hawks have not lost a game since Sept. 9, and Monteiro hopes the momentum carries into the upcoming Northeast-10 tournament.
“We’ve got two games left and the goal is to obviously try to have a home game for the playoffs. One round would be great; two rounds would be awesome. We just to continue to play well going into the tournament. When you score three goals against a quality team like Southern Connecticut you have to feel good about it.”
Gillis has not paid too much attention to the record, but she recognizes the significance of the streak.
“I guess it is pretty cool, I owe a lot of credit to my team. I have not had to make too many saves this season because they are doing a great job in front of me. As long as we keep getting a shutout we’re not going to lose.”
Gillis attributes a good practice regimen as the reason why the team has went over a month without a loss “Going out every day and working hard in practice carries out to the field for the games. Everyone is just working hard.”
While coach Monteiro continues to sidestep any questions about the shutout streak. Gillis does not subscribe to any superstitions about the record.
“I don’t mind talking about it. If we let a goal in and we still win, the streak’s over I do not care as long as we win.”
The ‘Hawks are currently ranked third in the NE-10 with a 11-2-3 record, a 10-1-2 mark within the division. Their next game is Oct. 24 on the road against first place Saint Rose at 1.
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