AMHERST, N.Y. – The Niagara women's soccer team captured their first win of the season after beating Big Four rival Buffalo 2-1 Wednesday evening.

The victory was spearheaded by a two-goal effort from senior Breanna Catipovic while goalkeeper Claire Feiertag stopped a season-high eight UB shots, tying her career-best. 

"I'm extremely happy for the girls after this victory," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "They have worked extremely hard all season and tonight they were rewarded for all that work.  It is always that much sweeter when you beat a rival.  They deserve all the credit for this victory."

Catipovic began the scoring for the Purple Eagles (1-7) in the 27th minute off an assist from junior Catherine Meyer.  After receiving a feed from Meyer, Catipovic made a run down the middle with a pair of Purps supporting her on either side, but the forward decided to release a rocket from 15-yards out that flew past Buffalo goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon.    

The first half ended with the Bulls (3-2-2) holding a slim 6-4 advantage in shots. 

Niagara came out flying in the second half, earning a pair of corner kicks in the opening minutes with the second resulting in a Purple Eagle goal.  Meyer was on the backend of the corner kick that landed on the foot of Hayley Besaw.  The sophomore's attempt on net rang off the post, but Catipovic jumped on the rebound and put away her team-leading fifth goal to give NU a two-goal cushion in the 48th minute.    

The Buffalo offense began to apply pressure after Catipovic's second goal, but the Purple Eagle defense stood strong while receiving help as shots form Courtney Mann and Katie Roberts were stopped by the post.  UB's efforts were eventually rewarded with a 72nd minute tally from Jackie Hall, but it would be the only shot that would get past Feiertag for the remainder of the game. 

Niagara wrapped up the evening with eight shots, compared to 15 for the Bulls.  Buffalo held a 8-2 advantage in corner kicks.  

The Purple Eagles open the conference portion of the schedule on Saturday, Sept. 21 when Niagara hosts Monmouth at Niagara Field at 2 p.m.