Loyola(MD) women defeat Niagara

A goal by sophomore Maggie Ebner proved to be the game-winner as the Loyola (MD) Greyhounds defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles on the road, 2-1 Friday night in both teams' MAAC openers. Loyola is now unbeaten in its last 14 conference openers at 13-0-1.

Tied at one and approaching the 80th minute, junior Kelly Thomas sent a corner kick into the box and after a loose ball, Ebner hammered it home for her second goal of the season at 78:58. The score was Ebner's second of the season, both of which have been game-winners.

A goal by Thomas five minutes earlier tied the game at one at 73:34. With her first goal of the season, Thomas drilled a low shot from just inside the box that curved inside post.

After a scoreless first half, Niagara took the lead at 52:04 with a goal by Brittany Benthin.

Greyhounds senior net-minder Brittany Henderson allowed just one goal and made three saves, all in the first half.

Loyola owned a 16-11 shot advantage and took five corner kicks to the Purple Eagles' three.

Next up for the Greyhounds (5-4-2, 1-0-0 MAAC) is unbeaten Canisius (7-0-1, 1-0-0 MAAC) who defeated Rider, 3-1 in its conference opener Friday night. Kickoff at the Demske Sports Complex in Buffalo, N.Y. is scheduled for 1:00 pm. Links to follow live stats or the live video feed can be found on the calendar at www.loyolagreyhounds.com.