PHILADELPHIA - The Niagara women's soccer team (1-0-0) never trailed during its 2-1 season-opening win over the host Temple Owls (1-2-0) in the Owl Eyes Classic on Friday afternoon. The Purple Eagles are now 8-1 in their last nine season-opening games.

With the game tied at one late, it was a freshman who scored the game-winning goal. Freshman Danielle Kennedy headed home a feed from senior Chelsea Spencer at the 79:33 mark, sealing the win for the Purple Eagles.

"I'm happy that we won the game, but I'm really proud of the team for bouncing back from a tough first half," head coach Peter Veltri said. "They showed a lot of character."

The Purple Eagles started the game with a bang, scoring on their very first shot of the season just five minutes into the game. Freshman Breanna Catipovic found an open Adrianna Gallo, who ripped a shot that deflected in off of keeper Kara Williams. Nearly 20 minutes later, Temple tied the game after Morgyn Seigfried beat senior goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers.

"Hopefully this win gives us some confidence going into a difficult game on Sunday against Drexel," Veltri said. "We need to be ready to play hard for 90 minutes on Sunday."

Bowers made six saves in earning the victory, Niagara's second consecutive 2-1 win over the Owls dating back to Sept. 20, 2009. The Purple Eagles will clash with Drexel (1-1-0) on Sunday at 11 a.m.