Lewiston, N.Y. - The Canisius College women's soccer team wrapped up the Big Four Tournament, falling in double overtime to rival Buffalo, 1-0, on Sunday morning at Niagara Field. With the loss, the Golden Griffins split their games this weekend at the Tournament held on the campus of Niagara University.
After two periods, the teams played to a 0-0 tie with Buffalo (7-1-0) outshooting the Griffs (4-3-1), 20-14. In the first overtime, the rivals continued to battle as Canisius held a 2-1 shot advantage.
The Bulls' difference maker came on their lone shot of the second overtime. In the 104th minute, freshman back Sophie Therien fed freshman midfielder Megan Giesen for the Bulls' gamewinner.
"If we would have made one or two of our shots it would have been our game," stated head coach Jim Wendling. "We need to learn how to finish inside the box."
The senior goalkeeper Caroline Robert stonewalled many of the Bulls' scoring chances. After tying her career-high game mark for most saves on Friday, Robert pulled in 11 saves to set a new career-high en route to being named to the Big Four Tournament All-Tournament Team.
"Caroline has kept us in games this year. Today is one of those examples," said Wendling. "She is a fantastic goalie, who uses her athletic abilities and great hands in net."
In the end, Buffalo outshot Canisius, 22-14. The Griffs leading shooter for the third straight game was senior forward Kelly Reinwald with five shots.
"Overall it was a great game however, we missed on opportunities. This is our third overtime game this year and we were not able to come up with the win. We need to be a little tougher," explained Wendling.
After a three-game road trip, the Griffs return home to defend their five-game unbeaten streak at the Demske Sports Complex against Duquesne on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Notes: The Golden Griffins unbeaten streak ends at five contests with their last loss coming in overtime on Aug. 26 versus St. Francis (Pa.), 3-2... The Bulls entered the contest ranked 21st in goals against average (.488), tied for 28th in win-loss percentage, and 11th in save percentage (.923).
Tournament Champion: Buffalo (2-0)
Tournament MVP: Katie Roberts, F, Buffalo
2011 All-Tournament Team:
F: Katie Roberts, Buffalo
F: Kelly Reinwald, Canisius
F: Molly Curry, St. Bonaventure
M: Jackie Hall
M: Danielle Turner, Buffalo
M: Julianne Viviano, Niagara
M: Hannah Lapp, St. Bonaventure
D: Jen Kimoto, Niagara
D: Katie Krisko, St. Bonaventure
G: Ainsley Wheldon, Buffalo
G: Caroline Robert, Canisius
