Siena Women’s Soccer improved upon the program’s best start in 11 years with a 1-0 triumph at Niagara. Rachel Sullivan scored the decisive goal for the Saints who improved to a perfect 4-0.

 

Sullivan, who entered the season with one career goal spanning her first three years, scored for the third time in four matches this spring. In the 13^th minute, she took a feed from freshman Grace George and blasted home the match’s lone goal from just outside the top of the 18.

 

Siena (4-0) had chances to extend its lead as the Saints registered a season-high in shots, but Clara Bornet made five saves to keep Niagara (1-1) in it. Siena held a 21-9 advantage in shots, while the Purple Eagles harbored a 7-4 margin in corners.

 

Red-shirt freshman goalkeeper Brooke Boermeester made three saves to earn the shutout in her collegiate debut for the Saints, who have registered three clean sheets in their first four matches while outscoring the opposition by a 12-1 margin.

 

Predicted to finish eighth according to the MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, upstart Siena has already matched their win total from the entirety of their most recent 2019 season which was accomplished over 19 matches. With today’s victory, the Saints move atop the MAAC Standings with less than a week remaining in the abbreviated regular season.

 

This afternoon’s win sets up a showdown of the top-two teams in the MAAC Standings – and the programs which have won the past five MAAC Championships – Saturday at Hickey Field. Siena hosts preseason favorite and four-time defending MAAC Tournament Champion Monmouth in a 4 p.m. kickoff.