Two early first half goals led Niagara women's soccer to a 2-1 victory over Syracuse at SU Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y.

Niagara opens the season at 1-0-0 while the Orange fall to 1-1-1 on the young season.

The Purple Eagles got on the board first in the 11th minute when Izzy Schmidt was able to outjump an Orange defender and head the ball over to Sarah Lucas who was able to beat Syracuse goalkeeper Shea Vanderbosch on the left side.

Niagara doubled their lead in the 17th minute when Mahelie Barbeau put home a rebound off a free kick opportunity from Schmidt that deflected off of Vanderbosch and an Orange defender.

Purple Eagles goalkeeper Julia Poissant made seven saves thwarting the Syracuse offensive attack to keep the two goal lead for Niagara.

Syracuse found the back of the net in the 83rd minute to cut the Purple Eagles lead in half as Mia Klammer was able to beat Poissant in the bottom left corner.

The backline of Delta Barber, Angelina Kristic, Cicely-Ann Spencer-Wickham and Caitlyn Parker helped shut down the Orange offense as the Purple Eagles were able to hold onto the victory.

Niagara Notes

• Donny George recorded his first win as Niagara's head coach

• Niagara moves to 3-1-1 all-time against Syracuse

• First season opening win since the spring 2021 season

• First win against a Power 4 opponent since 2021

• Sarah Lucas recorded her first collegiate goal

• Julia Poissant made her collegiate debut recording 10 saves and the win

• Caitlyn Parker and Kaia Grande made their collegiate debuts