ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Sarah Clark curved in a corner kick, Alyssa Lapp put home Courtney Bosse's rebound and St. Bonaventure (9-7-0, 3-3 Atlantic 10) posted its fourth shutout of the season in a 2-0 win over Xavier (7-9-0, 2-4) Friday at McGraw-Jennings Field.
The win gives the Bonnies nine points in A-10 play, as Manoj Khettry's squad attempts to make it back to the six-team league Championship for the third consecutive season. For the time being, the win moves St. Bonaventure into a three-way tie for fourth place headed into Sunday's meeting with league-leader Dayton.
"I always feel like we can play a little bit better," commented Khettry. "I thought Xavier did a good job staying organized and working hard defensively – those two goals were well-earned. A win is a win this late in the conference season."
A senior from Zionsville, Pa., Clark gave the Bonnies the lead for good when she curved in a corner kick at the 36:04 mark. Working from the near side on one of eight corners for the Bonnies, Clark put her right foot to the ball and bent it in just under the crossbar. Eight minutes after the halftime break, Alyssa Lapp collected a loose ball – the result of a hard shot from Courtney Bosse – and drilled it just inside the near post for the final margin.
For the Bonnies, senior Nicole Markert (8-4) picked up her fourth shutout of the season and the 14th of her career. In 10 starts between the pipes this season, Markert has authored a 0.94 goals against average and a .744 save percentage. She was tested little and made one save against the Musketeers.
The home side kept the pressure on throughout the game, earning a 27-7 shots advantage. Xavier keeper Jennifer Pierri stopped nine shots in the loss.
The Bonnies return to action at 1 p.m. on Sunday to host Dayton. The Flyers (6-0) entered the weekend unbeaten in A-10 play. Prior to the game, the St. Bonaventure will honor its six seniors: Courtney Bosse, Anna Cunningham, Sarah Clark, Jamie Dentino, Markert and Marilyn Wargo.
NOTES: St. Bonaventure is now 6-1 at home this season, with its only loss coming in double overtime last week against La Salle … University president Sister Margaret Carney was in attendance and was one of several to enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate … SBU put two shots off the crossbar … Xavier's Carly Wenzel was issued a yellow card in the 68th minute.
