Lightning Spoils Saints Season Opener

Siena Women’s Soccer will have to wait a little while longer to officially open its 2017 season. The Saints’ would-be season opener at Seton Hall Friday night in South Orange, New Jersey was halted due to lightning in the 46^th minute, and eventually declared a no-contest following a nearly 80-minute delay. The match was scoreless at the time play was stopped just 99 seconds into the second half.

Seton Hall held a 6-4 advantage in shots through the first 46-plus minutes of action, and Siena sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Dorado was credited with one save. However, as a result of the no-contest, all match statistics will be wiped out.

This marks the Saints’ first regular season match to be declared a no-contest in almost six years to the day. Siena’s season opener on Aug. 19, 2011 vs. Stony Brook in Loudonville was also expunged due to lightning in the 23^rd minute.

The Saints will now open their 2017 season in earnest Sunday when they welcome Patriot League foe Lafayette to Siena Field for a 1 p.m. match.