ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure University women's soccer team fell short with a 1-0 setback Thursday night in well-played game that was a nail-biter toward the end against VCU.
The Bonnies (2-5-3) tallied five shots in the first half, three of those shots were by freshman Chanel Alexander. Alexander had a scoring chance off a Bonaventure corner kick in the 11th minute, but a VCU defender was able to block her header. Junior midfielders Christine Napoli and Haylee Smith registered the other two shots for the Bonnies in the first half. In net freshman goalkeeper Chiara Gottinger recorded four saves. VCU tallied eight shots in the first half, four of those shots were on goal. Redshirt senior forward Samantha Jerabek recorded three of the teams shots with two of her shots on goal.
The Rams (6-2) were able to strike in the second half with a goal in 49th minute from senior defender Lana Golob, which was unassisted. It turned out to be the game-winner.
St. Bonaventure was able to up the pressure in the second half and had some good scoring chances to tie the game.
Graduate forward Cristina Torres had a beautiful shot on goal in the middle of the box in the 56th minute that was deflected by the goaltender over the net. The Bonnies' second good opportunity to score in the second came in the 82nd minute from a shot off the foot of freshman midfielder Kristin Pickard in the box that went off the fingertips of the VCU goaltender.
Alexander led the way for Bonaventure with four shots, while Torres was able to put both of her shots on goal.
Gottinger continued her strong play, finishing the game with eight saves.
VCU outshot Bonaventure, 20-12. Jerabek led the team with six shots in the game, four of them being on goal. Graduate forward Bri Kropinack registered three shots with one of her shots being on goal. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Grace Young recorded six saves for the Rams.
St. Bonaventure continues Atlantic 10 play when they head back on the road to take on Fordham in the Bronx on Sunday. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
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