NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Without one of their top offensive weapons in graduate forward Cristina Torres, the Bonnies had a pair of sophomores in Bridget Kennedy and Chiara Gottinger step up to grab a 1-0 victory Thursday night against Little Three rival Niagara.

The Bonnies (1-0-2) grabbed an early 1-0 lead courtesy of Kennedy, who tallied only two shots last season but was able to register her first career goal with the ultimate game-winner.

The Cleveland Heights, Ohio native was able to get her head on a beautiful corner kick from freshman Ami Komori, beating the Niagara keeper in just the second minute of the game to give the Bonnies the early advantage.

That one goal lead was enough for the reigning Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Week Gottinger who continued her outstanding start to the season by once again matching her career-high in saves with 13 and tallying her eighth career shutout.

The second-year net protector now places seventh all-time in Bonnies career shutouts, passing both Christine Carbone (1985-86) and Marnie Rice (1990-93) who each totaled seven in their careers.

The Purple Eagles (0-2) would not make this feat easy for Gottinger as they possessed the ball most of the game, registering several good chances off corner kicks and deflections.

The best chance for Niagara came in the 88th minute when the hosts were awarded a penalty kick, but Amanda Cripps sent the PK off the crossbar to eventually seal the victory for the Bonnies.

The Purple Eagles finished the game with 23 shots compared to St. Bonaventure's 11.

Niagara was led in shots with seven by Emma Bough, while Emma Davies recorded four shots on goal.

Senior Kenzie Tarmino tallied three shots, while Komori and junior Lydia Choban each registered two shots for St. Bonaventure.

The last time the Bonnies were able to defeat rival Niagara was on Sept. 4, 2016 when the Brown and White claimed a 4-1 victory.

The Bonnies look to carry the momentum into their home opener Sunday against Eastern Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Marra Athletics Field Complex.


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