HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Hofstra University (3-3) scored just more than 10 minutes into the contest, added an insurance tally with just under five minutes left and controlled most of the game in-between goals to defeat the St. Bonaventure women's soccer team (0-6-1) Friday evening, 2-0.
As has been the trend all year, the Bonnies fell behind first as Hofstra struck at the 10:11 mark with a goal from Jill Mulholland. The freshman midfielder finished a cross from Leah Galton from about 16 yards out past Bona keeper Megan Junker's right side.
From there, the Pride continued to have the better of the play in the opening half and finished the frame with nine shots, including four which went on net, while limiting the Bonnies to just one shot, taken by sophomore Molly Curry.
Hofstra started the second half the same way it finished the first as it attempted four shots within the first 20 minutes, including an attempt from Caylin Dudley in the 64th minute which hit the post.
The Bonnies put their first, and only, shot on net in the 71st minute when sophomore Brittany Charles's attempt was saved by Hofstra keeper Emily Morphitis. In total, SBU finished with three shots, its second-lowest output of the season, while Hofstra attempted 17.
The Pride, which entered the game leading the Colonial Athletic Association in corners per game at 6.8, earned 10 on the night compared with Bona's two. The 10th and final corner for Hofstra resulted in its final goal as Galton converted her second goal of the year off an assist from Ruby Staplehurst.
"For most of the second half we were able to make life difficult on them and we were pretty competitive," head coach Manoj Khettry said. "Despite their high shot total, they didn't have a ton of quality chances. We were able to sustain possession about 30 yards from the goal, but we didn't generate enough chances in the front third of the field. However, I'm pleased with our competitive nature in the second half considering we had a long road trip and were heading into a hostile environment."
Junker made her first appearance of the year in net for the Bonnies as she started for the Brown and White and made seven saves. With the help of a strong defensive backline, Junker posted five shutouts last year as a sophomore – one shy of tying the school record.
St. Bonaventure returns to action next Friday when it heads east to battle Binghamton at 7 p.m.
GAME NOTES: Until tonight's contest, goalkeeping duties were split between senior Katie Kerkman and freshman Christina Sarokon … freshman Lauren Hill attempted the other Bonaventure shot … SBU was whistled for 11 fouls compared with Hofstra's four … Bonaventure's lowest shot total of the year was two at Marquette in the season opener on Aug. 17.
