Sept. 26, 2010
Box Score
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - There is only one remaining undefeated and untied women's soccer team left out of the more than 300 schools in the Division I ranks. That team resides in Loudonville, N.Y. Ashleigh Barone's 12th minute goal proved to be enough as Siena kept its perfect record intact with a 1-0 victory over St. Bonaventure Sunday.
With Maryland earning a tie earlier in the day against Duke, Siena (8-0-0) remains as the only team in the country to have won every time it has stepped onto the pitch this season.
"I don't believe it," remarked head coach Steve Karbowski. "To have this distinction means a lot to our program and I could not be happier for our team."
The Saints created several chances early, culminating in Barone's fifth goal of the season. Caitlin Cahalan broke down the right side of the box and fired a cross towards the middle that initially was saved by the Bonnies' (6-4-0) goalie, but Barone was right there to fire home the rebound.
In the second half St. Bonaventure put the pressure on, but the Saints collectively stood tall on the defensive end. The Bonnies best chance came in the 72' when Courtney Bosse broke down the middle of the field and appeared to have a potential breakaway. But senior back Samantha Butzke, who had an exceptional all-around game, slowed Bosse down and forced her into a more difficult chance. Nonetheless, Bosse got off a low, line-drive kick but Laura Ettinger made a sensational diving save to her left to knock away the potential game-tying tally.
Ettinger was once again strong in goal, turning aside six shots to pick up her third shutout of the season.
"The defense played well today," added Karbowski. "We dealt with some corner kicks, but Laura made some big saves and Sam's play on the breakaway was a big key."
St. Bonaventure out-shot Siena 14-11 and took six corners to the Saints' two. Anna Cunningham and Sarah Clark led the Bonnies with three shots apiece, while Barone and Tabitha Tice each took three shots for the Saints.
Siena looks to keep its unblemished record intact when it opens MAAC play Friday night under the lights at Manhattan in a 7 p.m. kickoff.
