BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Niagara University women’s soccer (1-0) opened the 2007 season with a thrilling victory at rival University at Buffalo, Friday, 4-3. Senior Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.) scored two goals, giving her 51 in her illustrious career, but it was her game-winning assist that helped the team to victory.

"I am extremely proud of the way our team played tonight," Niagara head coach Peter Veltri said. "It was great to see a young team come back twice against a tough rival."

The Purple Eagles held a 3-1 advantage late in the second half, but the Bulls stormed back to tie the score at 3-3. With 15 minutes remaining, Bisnott sent the ball back to sophomore midfielder Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) who one-timed it past the keeper to the top-right corner of the net for the game winner. It was Greco’s first career goal and game winner.

Niagara fell behind 1-0 early in the contest before Bisnott received the ball on a free kick from senior defender Natalie Frost (Elmira, N.Y.). Bisnott buried the ball into the back of the net, evening the score at 1-1 just before the half.

Junior Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.) scored her first goal of the season on a header with the assist from Greco. Moments later, Bisnott scored to increase the Purple Eagle lead to 3-1 off an assist from junior Ashley Mandrino (Farmington, N.Y.). It was the defender’s first career point.

Bisnott became just the third Purple Eagle and fourth Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) member to total 50 goals in a career. It was the 16th time that the 2007 Preseason MAAC Player of the Year has recorded a multiple-goal game in her career.

"We were a little concerned when we allowed them to tie the score in the second half," Veltri added, "but it was great to see our young team respond. They showed heart and determination tonight, and they just found a way to win."

Sophomore Sarah Stephens (Toledo, Ohio) made two saves, playing the first half, while freshman Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) made six saves to earn her first career victory.