SCRANTON, Pa.—The University of Scranton women’s soccer team extended its season-long winning streak to 13 by downing Susquehanna University, 2-0, in Landmark Conference action Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Field.

Sophomore forward Gianna Vitolo (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) had a goal and an assist, and freshman forward Christina Akalski (Long Beach, N.Y./Kelllenberg Memorial) added a goal, and the Scranton defense held the Crusaders to just four shot attempts as Scranton improved to 13-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

Scranton's 13-match winning streak remains the second-longest current streak in NCAA Division III, trailing only undefeated Montclair State, which won on Saturday to improve to 14-0.

Both of Scranton’s goals were set up by senior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown). In the 10th minute of the first half, Russo blasted a shot that was saved by Norbuts, but Vitolo tapped in the rebound for her fifth goal of the season and the ninth of her career.

Early in the second half, Russo threaded a pass to Vitolo in the right corner, who immediately directed a cross to Akalski in front of the net, where she redirected the ball into the right side of the net for her sixth goal of the year.

Royal senior goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made three saves to pick up her sixth shutout of the season and the 29th of her career.

Scranton held a 26-4 advantage in shot and a 9-3 margin in corner kicks today.

With two assists today, Russo moves ahead of Dawn Ennis (1992-95) into 11th place on the Royals’ all-time scoring list with 83 total points (30 goals, 23 assists.)

During this 13-match winning streak, Scranton has outscored its opponents, 37-6.

Senior goalkeeper Rachel Norbuts (Monroeville, NJ/Woodstown) finished with 12 saves for Susquehanna, which fell to 1-11-2 overall and 0-4 in the Landmark.

The Royals return to Landmark Conference action this Wednesday, October 23, against Moravian College at 7:00 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.  The match is open to the public and admission is free.

--ROYALS--