ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The Bonnies (1-7) came up short in a defensive battle with Canisius (6-1-2) Friday night in Buffalo. Canisius needed just one goal to shutout the Bonnies and prevent SBU from building on their dramatic victory this past Sunday against St. Francis (Pa.).

The Bonnies struggled offensively in this one as three of their eight shots on the day came in the first 13 minutes of the game. Juniors Emmett O'Connor, Brad Vanino and James Reed each managed to find scoring chances for the Bonnies early but were unable to capitalize.

Canisius controlled the pace for most of the first half but the Bona defense was up for the challenge. Abel Bautista making just his second career start in goal would make six saves in this one.

Canisius mounted a strong charge near the end of the first half but the SBU defense kept the ball out of the net leaving a 0-0 tie on the field heading into halftime. The Bonnies were outshot 12-3 in the first half and out-cornered 8-3.

The second half was more of the same for both teams. However in the 57th minute Canisius' Denver Spearman broke free on a long run, got past the Bona defense and finished in the lower right corner of the goal past Bautista to the give the Golden Griffins a 1-0 lead.

The Bonnies were able to muster just four more shots the rest of the game. Andrew Derayeh forced Canisius goalkeeper Kareem Gray to make his only save of the game in the 86th minute but that was as close as the Bonnies would come in this one. The final score would hold at 1-0.

"While I'm encouraged with our ability to defend more effectively, I'm disappointed as well as the team in our inability to put teams away and to finish the scoring opportunities were creating," head coach Mel Mahler stated. "When that happens, we give life to our opponents. We're going to keep fighting to find a way to win, that's a given."

The Bonnies will be back in action on Sunday at home against Little 3 Rival Niagara. Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES: Bonnies were outshot 18-8. After giving up 25 goals over their first six games, the Bonnies have given up just one goal over their last two. Daniel Iannacito received a yellow card.