Women's Soccer 10/27/2007 12:00:00 AM Canisius College Athletics

Women's Soccer Ties Niagara 1-1

The Canisius College women's soccer team battled long-time rival Niagara to a 1-1 double-overtime draw in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon at a blustery Demske Sports Complex. The tie on the Golden Griffins' Senior Day is the first between the two long times rivals, which have met every season since 1981.

The annual meeting between the Griffs and the Purple Eagles had a little bit of everything, with the two team combining for 30 shots, including a penalty kick, and 37 fouls. Canisius (6-8-2, 3-3-1 MAAC) knotted the game at 1-1 in the 72nd minute when sophomore Meagan Jones (right) drilled home her first goal of the season on a penalty shot after Niagara was whistled for a handball violation in the box. The Blue and Gold had a number of chances to win the game in regulation and in the second overtime period, but Niagara goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers came up big for her team, posting nine saves in net.

“Anytime you play Niagara and you add in the fact that it is Senior Day, you know the game is going to be emotional,” Canisius head coach Meagan Dougherty said. “I thought we showed a lot of character today. It is a little disappointing to play so hard and come away with a tie, but it's definitely not for a lack of effort.”

Niagara (9-5-2, 4-1-2 MAAC) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the game's 17th minute when Brittany Bisnott settled a loose ball in the box and beat Canisius keeper Daniella Pettinari with a shot that rolled into the lower right corner of the net. The Griffs came out of the halftime break and put pressure on the Purple Eagles with 10 shots in the second half, but Bowers made six saves to keep the Griffs off the scoreboard. Her best save of the day came in the 31st minute when she was able to push a high shot from Jones over the crossbar with her right hand.

In overtime, both teams were able to put together quality scoring chances, and Niagara had a chance to win the game with less than three minutes left on the clock in the second overtime period, but Stephanie Gartley's shot from the right side of the box hit the post after strong wind gusts helped knock the ball down.

Pettinari made five saves for Canisius, and both squads were credited with a team save during regulation time. Canisius ended up out shooting Niagara by a 17-13 count, while the Purple Eagles held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.

The Griffs will return to action Nov. 2, as the team travels to Siena. Game time in Loudonville, N.Y., is set for 2 p.m.

Game Notes: Canisius closes out the home portion of its 2007 slate with a 4-3-2 record at home, the program's second-straight winning season at home... The Griffs went 1-0-2 against local rivals Buffalo, Niagara and St. Bonaventure this season... Meagan Jones' goal was the second of her career... Prior to the start of the contest, Canisius honored Amanda Janosky, Stephanie Karst, Carly McGunnigle and Lisa Nicholas who all made their final home starts in Blue and Gold.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#19 Amanda Janosky: F/M; 5' 10"; Redshirt Senior

#16 Meagan Jones: M/F; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#5 Stephanie Karst: F; 5' 4"; Senior

#7 Carly McGunnigle: F/M; 5' 2"; Senior

#15 Lisa Nicholas: B; 5' 3"; Senior

#0 Daniella Pettinari: GK; 5' 4"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#19 Amanda Janosky
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Senior
: F/M

#16 Meagan Jones
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: M/F

#5 Stephanie Karst
: 5' 4"; Senior
: F

#7 Carly McGunnigle
: 5' 2"; Senior
: F/M

#15 Lisa Nicholas
: 5' 3"; Senior
: B

#0 Daniella Pettinari
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: GK