POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Niagara’s great season came to an end on Friday night, when they lost a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Marist in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) semifinals. A late goal in the 81st minute by Marist proved to be the game-winner, as Niagara ends their season with a mark of 10-7-2.

Ninth year Head Coach Peter Veltri was very proud of his team despite losing a tight, rain-filled game against Marist.

"We had the better opportunites today but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net," said Veltri. "We started off slow but we quickly took the game to them."

In what was a back and forth game from the start, Niagara struck first blood with a goal by Christina Langrell (Tillsonburg, Ont) in the 16th minute. Langrell was able to get on the other side of a corner kick and drive a low shot past the goalie. Just three minutes later, Marist scored on a high shot from Alexandra Lauterborn. The teams went to the half knotted at 1-1.

The second half was a stalemate as both teams traded chances but it seemed that they would always miss by just an inch. Niagara had two outstanding chances with Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.) finding herself one on one with the Marist goalie but was unable to finish her opportunity. A few minutes later Natalie Frost (Elmira, N.Y.) found herself open in the box but sailed a shot over the goal. Marist’s Katie Fox received a yellow card during the early stages of the second half, which Niagara attempted to take advantage of.

Niagara’s defense played exceptionally well, but Marist finally broke through with little time on the clock. Again another high shot got past the Niagara goalie, as Katie Zasly scored on her fourth shot of the night to give Marist the 2-1 advantage at the 81st minute.

Niagara did all they could in order to tie the game, but they fell short to the top-seeded Red Foxes.

"It a sad moment when you realize that its over, you feel bad for those individuals that will never wear the purple and white again," said Veltri. "I’m proud of all of our players and I’m sure that the seniors can leave with their heads held high."