It's almost become more noteworthy when Gabi Hoops allows a goal than when she posts yet another shutout.

Hoops has played that well this season as the starting goalie for the Worcester Polytechnic Institute women's soccer team.

She just may be the best goalie in the highly competitive New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference, anchoring a stingy defense that has helped the Engineers (13-2-2) set a program record for wins and reside in first place.

A former Stonington High School all-state standout, Hoops nearly went the entire month of October without watching a ball hit the back of her net. Clark finally knocked one in on Tuesday night.

Hoops, a 5-foot-8 sophomore, does it all.

"She's super athletic," WPI coach Stephanie Schafer said. "She's got a great foot and a really good ability to find the ball and seek the ball. She can get to the high ones and low ones. She's pretty versatile.

"She's fearless. She's willing to come off her line and get a ball that might be 50-50 and collide with a forward that might be coming at her and do it for the team."

Hoops is having an All-NEWMAC type season.

After appearing in nine games last year, Hoops has developed into a dominant force as the full-time starter. She leads the NEWMAC in goals-against average (0.36), fewest goals allowed (six), save percentage (.893) and is tied for first with eight shutouts for the Engineers.

A dedicated workout routine over the summer prepared her for this season.

"This year, I came in a lot stronger," Hoops said. "I knew I was going to hold my own on the ball better. It just built confidence more than anything."

Hoops credits her experienced defense for her success. She's had to make only 50 saves this season in 17 games.

But she's made some huge ones, including a key stop in 1-0 win over Wellesley on Oct. 15.

"My back line has been phenomenal and they make my job really easy," Hoops said. "I know I can rely on them whenever I need to and I just try to do my job whenever they need me to do my job.

"... There's no better feeling in the world than making a save after watching all of your teammates defend people in front of you and work as hard as they can for 90 minutes knowing that it's your job just to make a couple of saves every game." 

Her focus has remained razor-sharp even during one-side games, according to Schafer.

"Up four goals (against Clark on Tuesday), she was still directing traffic from the back and giving praise to the players in front of her," Schafer said. "When it's time to step up to make a big-time save, she's ready for it."

Schafer said that Hoops arrived at WPI ready to make an immediate impact at the Division III level. Hoops gained valuable training and experience playing at Stonington and for Southeast Soccer Club.

A Southeast teammate, Megan Hanshaw who also plays soccer for the Engineers, suggested that Hoops check out WPI. Hoops made a recruiting visit and attended a soccer clinic.

"Gabi is a natural leader and that's something you really want from your keeper," Schafer said. "A lot of her training in her high school and club was really sound. Her training allowed her to step into that position with confidence."

It has been a great fit, athletically and academically, for Hoops. Plus, her parents can make the relatively short drive to Worcester to watch her play.

"I chose WPI to play soccer at a high level and get a great education," Hoops said. "I've been really fortunate to have this opportunity. It's worked out better than expected. ... I'm so happy to be at WPI."

Her work isn't done yet.

WPI can clinch first place and the top-seed in the NEWMAC tournament with a win against Mount Holyoke on Saturday in the regular-season finale. The Engineers will attempt to earn the program's first NCAA tournament berth.

You have to like WPI's chances, this year and down the road, with Hoops in goal.

"I'm really excited to be a part of this and I'm really excited to see where we can take it going forward as well," Hoops said. "I can't wait to see what the future holds."

g.keefe@theday.com