PHILADELPHIA - The third time was the charm for the Niagara women's soccer team (2-0-0) as they earned the program's first-ever win over the Drexel Dragons (1-2-0) in the third ever meeting between the teams on Sunday morning at the 2010 Owl Eyes Classic.

The victory over the Dragons ensures Niagara of it's first 2-0 start since the 2004 season and the Owl Eyes Classic title.

"This was a total team effort," head coach Peter Veltri said. "I'm not sure we get this victory without the play of our bench. They gave us big minutes today and it paid off."

Niagara found the back of the net early in the second half, when junior Laura Kimoto fired a shot over newly-inserted goalkeeper Victoria Troccoli. Shortly after taking the lead, Kimoto hit a ball off the crossbar, nearly giving the Purple Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Niagara had two strong chances to dent the scoreboard within the opening 14 minutes of the game, with sophomore Jamie Raepple firing both shots on net, only to be stopped by starting Dragons netminder Nicole Sinclair. The Purple Eagle defense was strong in the first half, only allowing one shot on net, which was stopped by senior Ashleigh Bowers. Freshman Breanna Catipovic nearly gave Niagara a 1-0 lead right before halftime, but again Sinclair was up to the task.

"It's great starting off the season 2-0, but we realize that we have to continue improving in every facet of the game if we want to have a successful season," Veltri said.

Junior Chelsea Mandrino assisted on Kimoto's goal. Bowers finished her ninth career shutout with three saves.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Friday, Sept. 3, when they open the home portion of their schedule against Bowling Green at 7 p.m.