ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Anna Cunningham scored twice on passes from Tori Burchett to help St. Bonaventure (7-5-0, 1-1-0 Atlantic 10) overcome an early deficit and defeat Charlotte 3-1 Friday night at Transamerica Field, marking the 49ers' first conference loss since Oct. 28, 2007.
Charlotte (9-4-0, 2-1-0) had posted a 22-0-2 mark in A-10 action since that date, and got on the board first when Sarah Ann Waugh's hard shot from the right side glanced off keeper Megan Junker's hands and the post to give the host 49ers the lead.
Despite trailing, the Bonnies rallied from there to take command and pull the upset.
"We were playing well and we were in rhythm and getting chances so I felt really good about the game, even though we were down," said Bonnies coach Manoj Khettry on arguably program's biggest win.
Just 3:48 later Cunningham's goal from Burchett in the 33rd minute knotted the score, before the duo connected again in the 54th for the game winner. Cunningham became just the sixth player in program history to record 70 or more career points. She ranks third on the all-time assists ledger (22) and is tied for 10th on the career goals list (24).
Freshman Jordan Calabria scored from classmate Taylor Broderick for the insurance tally after a scrum in the 63rd. Senior goalie Nicole Markert (6-2) turned in a clean sheet and made three saves in the second half to preserve the win.
"I was really impressed by the heart and competitiveness that we showed. I give kudos to my players for believing in our game plan in how we approached the game, and also for executing it very well.
"It was a great win to beat a talented and very well-coached Charlotte team on the road," added Khettry. "It won't mean much if we don't take advantage of how well we are playing."
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The Bonnies play at Saint Louis (1-7-0, 0-3) on Sunday.
NOTES: The announced crowd of 766 is the largest to watch a Bonnies game this season ... St. Bonaventure is now 3-5 away from McGraw-Jennings Field ... the victory snaps a two-game skid after SBU won five in a row in non-conference action ... scoreboard photo provided by assistant coach Rebecca Capinera.
