NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's soccer team (7-3-1, 0-1-0 MAAC) played an intense battle with the best team in the MAAC, but ended up on the short end of the 1-0 decision in front of 315 fans at Niagara Field on Friday night.

In a truly defensive struggle, head coach Peter Veltri was happy with his team's performance.

"I think we did a good job against a strong Siena team," Veltri said. "We had our offensive chances, but didn't put the ball into the net. Sunday, we will look to bounce back against another strong team in Marist."

The first half saw a lot of play at midfield, without either team coming out with a truly strong presence on the ball. Both teams would end up trading rushes at both ends of the field, with Stephanie Gartley (Camalachie, Ont.) and Shaylyn Lawrence (Baldswinville, N.Y.) each had quality chances, but Saints goalkeeper Laura Ettinger kept the ball out of the net. Niagara entered the half gridlocked with Siena at zero on the scoreboard, but was outshooting them 8-4.

The second half continued much like the first, with both teams trying to figure each other out. Siena broke through in the 59th minute, as a shot by Maria DiMatteo went wide, but kept the offensive pressure on. Chelsea Maguire sent a cross over to a crowded box, where Lindsay Tegas put it past Niagara goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) for the game-winning goal.

The Purple Eagles return to action on Sunday, Oct. 5 as part of a soccer doubleheader at Niagara Field, taking on Marist at 1 p.m.