AMHERST, N.Y. – The Daemen College women's soccer team generated a number of scoring opportunities, but ultimately fell 2-1 to visiting Saint Thomas Aquinas College today at Karrer Field. The game marked the East Coast Conference season opener for both squads. 

The loss was Daemen's third straight, dropping them to 1-3 on the season. On the other side, STAC improved to 2-1 overall with their second straight victory. The Spartans also snapped a four-game winless streak (0-3-1) in the all-time series with Daemen, picking up their first win over the Wildcats since the 2013 season.  

The scoring did not take long to get under way as the Spartans struck in the ninth minute. Sophomore forward Mekenzi Moreau attacked down the right wing and put in a cross for sophomore forward Sarah Colotti who was able to get a touch on the ball and put it in the back of the net. The teams went to halftime with STAC leading 1-0. 

In the second half, the Spartans struck again with Moreau attacking down the right side and putting in another cross. On the end of the cross this time was redshirt junior forward Kelsey Ardizzone, who needed one touch to finish in the 68th minute.

The Wildcats continued to attack and finally broke through with a pass from sophomore midfielder Celia de Pablo Esteban (Burgos, Spain) down the right wing to junior forward Jamie Boyar (Williamsville, N.Y.). Boyar surged down the right side out-running the left back for the Spartans and beating the keeper high to get the game to a one-goal deficit.

The Wildcats were able to rattle off two shots in the final two minutes of the game, both which were saved by Spartans goalkeeper Courtney Dumain. Katja Meyer (Verona, N.Y.) broke loose up the middle of the field, but Dumain thwarted her. That was followed by an open attempt from inside the box by Daemen freshman Kayleigh Daniels (Newfane, N.Y.) with inside a mintue to play, but again Dumain was there. 

For the game, Dumain made six saves. Her counterpart today was Daemen's Katelin White (Lewiston, N.Y.) who made three stops for the Wildcats.

The match featured four yellow cards, all coming in the second half. The Spartans were assessed three yellow cards while junior midfielder Sarah Kenny (Perth, Australia) was given the only one for Daemen.

The Wildcats host Shepherd University for a non-conference game on Wednesday, September 12 (12 p.m.) at Karrer Field.

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