Final Score: Niagara 3, St. Bonaventure 1
Records: St. Bonaventure 1-2  |  Niagara 1-0
Location: McGraw-Jennings Field (St. Bonaventure, N.Y.)

The Short Story: Niagara won the first game played on the newly-renovated McGraw-Jennings Field, taking a 3-1 decision over St. Bonaventure on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Purple Eagles jumped right on the attack and scored in the third minute to grab the early lead. Catherine Meyer beat Bonnies goalkeeper Christina Sarokon after she took a pass from Hayley Besaw and scored on a low shot to the left side of the net.

The Bonnies tied the game in the 22^nd minute when junior Abby Maiello headed the ball past Niagara keeper Claire Feiertag.  The score was set up by a crossing pass from senior Brittany Charles.

The game remained deadlocked into the second half. In the 68^th minute, Niagara put a shot on net that was stopped by Bonnies defender Stephanie Jenkins on the goal line, but the ball caromed to Niagara's Haillie Price, who scored from close range to make it 2-1.

Niagara got an insurance goal in the 79^th minute. Evan Bachman received a through pass from Hayley Besaw and beat Sarokon.

Inside The Stats / Game Notes:

• Sarokon and the Bonnies' defense faced steady pressure from Niagara most of the game, and the Purple Eagles took 15 shots compared to six for St. Bonaventure. Sarokon made five saves.
• Corner kicks were even at 5-5.
• Maiello's goal was her first of the season.
• For the second straight game, St. Bonaventure played without senior forward Molly Curry, who sat out due to a leg injury. Curry scored eight goals last season and was a second team All-Atlantic 10 selection.
• The game was the first between St. Bonaventure and Niagara since the 2012 season.
• There was a festive atmosphere for the first game on the new field and a crowd of 290 enjoyed the warm, sunny afternoon. The $2 million makeover, which was funded completely through gifts of donors led by a $1 million gift by Tom Marra '80 and his wife Michelle, features an A-Turf Titan playing surface and lights.
• Father Francis DiSpigno blessed the field prior to the game. Student-athletes and coaches from all of the teams who will use the field – men's and women's soccer, women's lacrosse and the men's and women's club rugby teams – joined Fr. Francis.

Video:


Next Up: The Bonnies will continue Little 3 action when they host Canisius on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. at McGraw-Jennings Field.