AMHERST, N.Y. — Becca Schultz (Grand Island, N.Y.) made 12 saves, while Macayla Hansen (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) and Kylie Miranto (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) each scored to help Daemen defeat Queens 2-1 in the ECC First Round on Thursday evening.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hansen converted a penalty kick in the eighth minute, giving Daemen a 1-0 lead.
• Miranto then found the back of the net in the 49th minute, assisted by Kaitlyn Wright (Geneva, N.Y.), extending their lead to 2-0.
• The Knights managed to break through in the 86th minute with a goal from Anna Tavantzis, assisted by Avery Shreffler, narrowing the score to 2-1.
• The match commenced with Daemen initiating early pressure as Olivia Kayser (Fairport, N.Y.) took a shot in the third minute.
• Queens responded with an attempt of their own, but Schultz made a crucial save to maintain the stalemate.
• Daemen continued to apply pressure with another shot on goal by Miranto, which the Queens goalkeeper saved.
• Schultz came up with another big save in the 38th minute as the half concluded with Daemen holding a 1-0 advantage, thanks to solid defensive efforts and Schultz's saves. 
• Schultz was crucial in maintaining the lead in the second half, recording multiple saves, including efforts in the 46th and 47th minutes, denying the Knights further opportunities.
• Daemen had more opportunities to extend its lead later in the half. Casey Keller (Rochester, N.Y.) ripped a shot that got saved in the 52nd minute.
• Miranto also took a shot that was stopped by the keeper in the 70th minute.
• The Wildcats had their only corner in the second half in the 77th minute, but it could not convert.
• Though the Knights applied pressure throughout the period, Daemen's defense, highlighted by Schultz's steady goalkeeping, held firm as the Wildcats maintained their advantage, securing a 2-1 victory.

GAME NOTES

• Schultz logged 12 saves, securing the win while allowing just one goal. She posted double-digit saves for the 10th time this season.
• Miranto notched the game-winning goal and recorded seven shots, with four on target. She scored the game-winner for the third straight game, and it was her 10th GWG of the season.
• Hansen added to the offense by converting a penalty, finishing with one goal, her fifth of the season.
• Wright contributed an assist, adding to the team's offensive efforts with one shot.

UP NEXT
The Wildcats advance to the ECC Semifinals and will head to Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., to take on No. 1 seed Mercy on Sunday at 1 p.m.