NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Senior Chelsea Spencer's goal in the 62nd minute of play helped the Niagara women's soccer team (8-4-1, 3-2-0 MAAC) to it's third straight win, downing the nationally-ranked Siena Saints (12-2-0, 4-2-0 MAAC) 1-0 in front of 250 fans at Niagara Field on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints came into the weekend ranked 25th nationally by Soccer America, but the Purple Eagles were destined to stay unbeaten at home, extending their record at Niagara Field this year to 5-0-1. Spencer provided the lone goal of the contest, when she launched a long shot on Saints goalkeeper Elizabeth Barna, which deflected into the net off of the goalie.

"I am extremely proud of the team for their effort this weekend," head women's soccer coach Peter Veltri said. "We knew we had two extremely tough games and I thought that the team picked up their game."

Niagara had plenty of scoring opportunities early in the game, as Spencer hit the crossbar just two minutes into the game and freshman Kayla Picanco ripped a shot that sat on the goal line before it was cleared by the Saints defense. Niagara outshot them in the first half by a 7-4 margin, but won all five corner kicks.

The Purple Eagles continued to look strong in the second half, opening up the half with three shots in a 15 minute span. Niagara finished the game with a slight 13-13 advantage in shots, while holding an 11-3 lead in corner kicks. 

Senior Ashleigh Bowers made five saves in her career-high sixth shutout of the season. Bowers now owns a 0.67 goals-against average overall, while in home games she has a 0.31 goals-against average (two goals in six games).

"I thought that we did a better job this weekend in all phases of the game," Veltri said.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Oct. 22, when they hit the road to take on MAAC foe Iona.