NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The St. Bonaventure women's soccer team's two-game win streak over the rival Purple Eagles came to an end Sunday afternoon as a late goal from Niagara lifted the hosts to a 1-0 victory over the Bonnies.
Despite leading 10-2 in shots on goal, St. Bonaventure couldn't come home with the win in the Little Three rivalry matchup.
St. Bonaventure controlled the opening 45 minutes of play, taking its first look at goal in the fourth minute as the Niagara keeper corralled senior
Elisabeth Ptacek's shot.
The Bonnies most threatening opportunity of the half came in the 12
th minute. Freshman
Mahelie Barbeau found space at the top of the 18-yard box and ripped off a shot that was just high, hitting off the top post.
The Bonnies took an 8-5 advantage in shots into the intermission including four from Barbeau and two on goal from
Evie Underhill.
Bona continued its pressing attack in the second half. Barbeau got another look on target in the 61
st minute, but the Niagara keeper stopped the shot again.
St. Bonaventure looked poised to take the lead in the 70
th minute as Niagara was called for a foul inside the 18-yard box and Bona was awarded a penalty kick.
Lauren Westwood stepped up to take the shot, sending it low and right, but the Purple Eagle keeper made the diving save.
In the 80
th minute, the Purple Eagles broke the scoreless tie between the longtime rivals. Emma Bough found Isabella Mazzaferro unmarked inside the area and she slotted away the game's lone goal.
The Bonnies looked for the equalizer in the final 10 minutes of play, but couldn't break through the Purple Eagle defense.
The Bonnies return home Thursday for a 7:00 p.m. match with Youngstown State.
------
For the latest news on St. Bonaventure athletics, stay connected on social media. Follow the Bonnies on X @GoBonnies and get women's soccer updates @BonniesWSoccer. Keep up with the Bonnies on Facebook /GoBonnies and on Instagram @GoBonnies. Bonnies women's soccer can be found on Instagram @bonnieswsoccer.
