November 1, 2008
Niagara Purple Eagles (12-5-1, 5-3-0) vs. Canisius Golden Griffins (10-4-3, 5-3-0)
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Stephanie Gartley
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The third installment of this season’s Battle of the Bridge competition between Niagara University and Canisius College will have an added element to the rivalry. Both women’s soccer teams are competing for the fourth and final spot in this year’s MAAC Championships from November 9-11 in Loudonville, N.Y. The deciding match will take place on Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. from Niagara Field.
Last Time Out
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Niagara women’s soccer team (12-5-1, 5-3-0 MAAC) disposed the Rider Broncs (2-11-3, 1-4-1 MAAC) 3-0 on Sunday afternoon. Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.), Shaylyn Lawrence (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) were the goal scorers as the Purple Eagles picked up three vital conference points.
Flocking the Net
Niagara’s offense has propelled the Purple Eagles to the top of the offensive categories in the MAAC. NU leads the conference in shots with 245 and leads the MAAC with 35 goals, 99 points and is tied for first with 27 assists. Stephanie Gartley leads the MAAC with 3.39 shots per game and is second with 29 points and 12 goals. Shaylyn Lawrence and Chiara Greco are second and third in the MAAC with seven and six assists, respectively, while freshman striker Laura Kimoto’s (Scarborough, Ont.) four game-winning goals is third in the conference. Niagara has also been strong in net, with Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) ranking second in saves (87) and third in save percentage (.845).
Familiar Position
The Purple Eagles faced a similar circumstance last season. Niagara needed to beat Marist in its last game of the season to have a chance at postseason play. The Purple Eagles were run out 3-0 winners that day, with goals from Brittany Bisnott, Ashley Mandrino (Farmington, N.Y.) and Stephanie Gartley.
More Honors for Gartley
Senior forward Stephanie Gartley has been named to the 2008 ESPN/COSIDA Academic All-District Second Team. The award marks the fourth-straight year that Gartley has received a collegiate award for her scholastic achievements. The Camlachie, Ont. native has started in every game this season for the Purple and White and is second in the MAAC with 29 points and 12 goals. She ranks fourth all-time in career goals (50) and ranks fifth all-time in career points (121) at Niagara.
Against the Golden Griffins
All-time record against the Griffins (NU leads 18-11-1)
Last meeting – October 27, 2007, Niagara 1 – Canisius 1(Buffalo, N.Y.)
Niagara holds an 18-11-1 record against its greatest rival. The Purple Eagles are unbeaten in their last six meetings, including winning five-straight from 2002-06. Since 2000, Niagara is 6-1-1 against the Griffins and has outscored them 16-5.
About the Griffins
Canisius brings a high-potent attack that ranks behind Niagara in shots, goals and points in the MAAC. Midfielder Rebecca Shupe and forward Kelly Reinwald will lead the attack for the Griffins. Shupe is second in the conference with 48 shots and Reinwald ranks third in points (25) and goals (10). Keepers Caroline Robert and Daniella Pettinari have split time in net, combining for 0.91 goals against average and .814 save percentage.
MAAC Standings MAAC Overall
1. Loyola (MD) 5-0-2 7-5-4
2. Siena 5-1-1 12-1-3
3. Fairfield 5-2-0 12-4-2
4. Niagara 5-3-0 12-5-1
5. Canisius 5-3-0 10-4-3
6. Manhattan 3-2-2 6-7-3
7. Iona 2-5-0 3-15-0
8. Marist 2-5-0 4-13-0
9. Rider 1-5-1 2-12-3
10. Saint Peter’s 0-7-0 3-13-0
