NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Behind multi-point efforts from Kelsey Araujo and Annie Ibey, the Niagara women's soccer team opened its season with a strong, 2-1 win over UMass Lowell at NIagara Field on Thursday evening. Sabrina Locas made five first half saves and six overall to secure the back end for the Purple Eagles.
 
Match Moments

• 6' | Ibey opened the scoring early by slipping a low ball through the right corner of the net for her first strike of the season.
• 58' | After Ibey was hauled down just outside the penalty area, Veda Hensel took a 20-yard free kick that curled just over the crossbar with the game tied at 1-1.
• 59' | Araujo broke the deadlock moments later, taking a crossing feed from Ibey and one-touching the ball around the keeper for the go-ahead strike.
• 90' | The final  minutes of the game saw the River Hawks pressure heavily and generate several scoring chances. With seven seconds remaining, UMass Lowell put a header towards Sabrina Locas, who reeled it in to secure the victory.

 
Coach's Corner

• Head coach Peter Veltri: "I'm extremely proud of the effort and passion that we put forth tonight. UMass Lowell made us work for everything so this was a great early effort. It was fantastic to see how we adapted through the course of the game. We need to continue to grow but this was a good start."

 
Up Next

• The Purple Eagles hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Akron for an evening tilt against the Zips on Thursday, August 29. The game will get underway at 7 p.m. from FirstEnergy Stadium.

 
 
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