NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women’s soccer team welcomes a trio of opponents to the Niagara campus this weekend for the Niagara Fall Classic. The four-team tournament kicks off Friday afternoon when Buffalo squares off against Binghamton at 1 p.m., followed by Niagara taking on American at 3:30 p.m. Sunday’s matchups feature American against Buffalo at 11 a.m., before Niagara tackles Binghamton in the final game at 1 p.m.

Niagara is coming off a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Pittsburgh, but after exploding for four goals in their season-opening win over Buffalo on Aug. 31, the Purple Eagles have proven they can find the back of the net. NU senior Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.), who scored two goals and assisted on the game winner in Niagara’s win, was named MAAC Offensive Player of the Week for her efforts. The Purple Eagles also received goals from junior Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.) and sophomore Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.).

Niagara’s newcomers have made a quick adjustment to collegiate competition, as a trio of freshmen have earned their way into the starting lineup. Caitlin Long (Tonawanda, N.Y.) and Erin Baker (Oswego, N.Y.) have started each of Niagara’s first two games, while Emily McElroy (Liverpool, N.Y.) started on the backline against Pittsburgh.

American (2-0-0), Niagara’s first opponent, enters the weekend on a two-game win streak. The Eagles defeated Manhattan, 4-1, and Richmond, 3-0, at home. Sophomore Kelsey Brasher leads the Eagles in scoring with seven points on three goals and an assist, but AU has not had to rely on just one player for its offense. On the season, American has had four different players find the back of the net, while 10 players have registered at least one point.

Meanwhile, both of Binghamton’s games this season have gone to overtime. The Bearcats fell to Northeastern, 1-0, on a golden goal, and had to settle for a 1-1 tie with Akron after the Zips tied the game in the 89th minute to send it into extra time. Senior Danielle White scored Binghamton’s lone goal, while sophomore Erin Iman has played every minute in net for the Bearcats.

Buffalo has also experienced an overtime match this season as Canisius and the Bulls played to a 1-1 tie through regulation and overtime. Including the loss to Niagara, UB is 0-1-1 on the season. Buffalo is led by junior Andrea Vescio and senior Heidi Griffiths with seven points apiece.