NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Backed by a goal in the 73rd minute from senior Emma Bough and five saves from Kelsey Riordan, Niagara (2-7, 1-1 MAAC) defeated Iona (1-7-1, 0-1-1 MAAC) 1-0 in MAAC women's soccer action from Mazella Field.
 
How it Happened
The Purple and White took the first six shots of the contest, including two on goal, the first off the foot of Maia MacLean in the 27th minute, followed by a shot from Amanda Cripps a couple of minutes later, both of which found the hands of the Iona goalie.
 
Sophomore netminder Kelsey Riordan would be tested early on in the second half, facing four shots, three of which were on target, but the Purple Eagle goalie kept the game scoreless through 54 minutes of play.
 
Freshman Isabella Mazzaferro would take three shots in a six-minute span, including two on target in the 58th and 61st minutes of action, respectively.
 
The Niagara attack would keep the pressure on in the 68th minutes with a shot from Emma Bough that was block and a rebound effort from Katie Diem that went high. In the 73rd minute,
 
Moments later, Mazzaferro would have her shot blocked but the freshman would collect the ball and find Emma Bough for Niagara's first goal in three games and the seniors first of the season.
 
The Purple Eagles would keep the pressure on, trying to extend their lead as Chloe Hubbard and MacLean would have shots blocked in the 82nd minute.
 
Mazzaferro would try to add to her point total and take her seventh shot of the contest, but the attempt would go high.
 
Riordan would make a save in the final minute of play to secure the win for Niagara.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara improves to 16-7-2 all-time against the Iona Gaels.
• Bough's brace is her first of the season and eighth of her career.
• Niagara snapped a 370-minute scoreless streak with its second half goal.
• Riordan has made five or more saves in each of her three starts this season.
• NU's 20 shots and seven shots on goal were both season-highs.
• Niagara held Iona to nine shots, the fewest by an opponent this season.
 
Up Next
Niagara returns to Monteagle Ridge for a Sep. 23 match against Marist. Opening kickoff between the Purple Eagles and Red Foxes is set for 12 p.m.
 
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