Freshman forward Christina Akalski (Long Beach, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) scored her first career goal and senior goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made four saves as The University of Scranton women’s soccer team held off Lebanon Valley, 1-0, in the first day of the Joe Bochicchio Classic at Fitzpatrick Field on Saturday afternoon.

Akalski broke a scoreless tie in the 30th minute when she controlled the ball in front of the goal, fought off a defender and slipped a shot past the Lebanon Valley goalkeeper in the right corner of the net. It was one of just three shots by Scranton (1-2) in the period, but all three were on goal.

McAnelly made four saves, all in the first half, to pick up her first shutout of the season and 24th of her career, the third-most in school history. She had help along the backline as junior Ellen Walker (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty), sophomore Jasmine Sconciafurno (Woodland Park, N.J./Passaic Valley) and junior Kaitlyn Greeley (Bardonia, N.Y./Clarkstown South) all had strong games on the defensive end.

Lebanon Valley (1-2) outshot the Royals, 16-7, but managed just four shots on goal. They had two good chances in the final six minutes to tie, but both shots were off line.

Day two of the Joe Bochicchio Classic will be held on Sunday with Scranton hosting York (Pa.) at 1 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field, while Lebanon Valley will visit Marywood, also at 1 p.m. York defeated Marywood, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon.

The Joe Bochicchio Classic is played annually in memory of late Royals head coach Joe Bochicchio, who passed away in 2007. In 23 seasons, he led The University of Scranton women’s soccer program to 296 victories, 15 conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

--ROYALS--