Niagara women’s soccer drops season opener at Bucknell

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

LEWISBURG, P.A. — The Niagara University women’s soccer team dropped its season opener to the two-time defending Patriot League champion Bucknell Bison, 4-1, on Sunday. Freshman midfielder Ashley Lofranco netted Niagara’s lone goal.
 
Game Summary

• Bucknell got on the scoreboard in the 11^thminute when Maddie Dano’s cross in the box was mishandled by Sabrina Locas, which allowed Jenna Marek to tap the ball into the open net.
• The Bison made it 2-0 in the 24^th minute. Kate Hennessey’s shot in the box was saved but Bailey Hurst scored on the rebound.
• Kelsey Araujo created a few chances in the first half with her best opportunity coming in the 35^th minute. She used her pace to skip around the keeper, but her shot towards the goal was blocked by a defender.
• Seven minutes into the second half, Bucknell’s Claire Mensi headed in a goal on a corner kick to give the Bison a 3-0 lead. Bucknell made it 4-0 in the 75^th minute.
• Niagara’s first goal of the season came from freshman Ashley Lofranco in the 88^th minute. She received a pass from Veda Hensel and unleashed a right-footed shot outside of the box to beat the keeper.

Eagle’s Eye On…

• Freshman Ashley Lofranco scored on her first career shot and played in 22 minutes.
• Sophomore Veda Hensel registered her first career point (an assist) in her ninth career game.
• Kelsey Araujo shared game-high marks with four shots.

 
Inside The Numbers

• This was the second all-time meeting between the teams and first since 1998.
• Niagara and Bucknell each recorded 13 shots and four saves.

 
Coach’s Corner

• “In a game like today you have to give credit to your opponent for capitalize on some crazy mistakes that we made. It’s a shame because at time we played extremely well and dominated. Unfortunately, we made too many mistakes. I thought our effort was great throughout the game, and the mistakes are things that we can fix with practice.” – head coach Peter Veltri

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles will host Cleveland State for their home opener on Thursday, August 23 at 7 p.m.