The Paul Smith’s College girls soccer team celebrates after Maddi Swan (13) scored the go-ahead goal with 15 minutes left in the game against Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences on Tuesday evening. (Provided photo — Paul Smith’s College/Mercedes Rideout)

ALBANY — The Paul Smith’s College women’s soccer team kicked off the season with a big 1-0 victory over league rival the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Panthers on Tuesday on the road. The opening contest for the 2025 Yankee Small College Conference season was a back-and-forth battle and ended with the Bobcats netting a goal in the 75th minute to secure the win.

“This was a fun game to watch!” Paul Smith’s head coach Kelvey McGinnis said. “We have been doing a lot of work both on and off the field as a team and it’s really starting to show. I told them to go out and have fun and that’s exactly what they did!”

With just 15 minutes left, the Bobcats’ senior forward Matti Swan of Schenectady gathered an over-the-top pass from first-year midfielder Lilyanna Barnes of Otego. With one quick touch and a glimpse at the Panther keeper playing a bit too far out, Swan, last year’s United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-American Honorable Mention, chipped the ball over the goalie and into the back of the net, essentially securing the win.

“After a long 70 minutes of high-intensity play, Barnes and I were able to connect,” Swan said. “It felt super rewarding since we were working hard for that moment and never let up. Our communication was on point, and I’m very proud of the way my team played!”

The Paul Smith’s defense held firm and goalkeeper Peyton Hoffman of Ilion earned her second shutout of the season. Since the 2023 season, Hoffman has started every game for the Bobcats, recording 18 wins — 14 of them were shutouts.

“First game on turf, our team came with full ambition; we came to win,” Hoffman said. “Carley Simmons organized the back line diligently, drawing Panthers offside. The win set a positive tone for future matches.”

The Bobcats, which currently sit at 2-1, will host Vermont State University at Randolph next Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m. at the Paul Smith’s College Soccer Field.