Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Soccer Shuffles Off to Buffalo for Pair of Weekend Matches
8/25/2011 8:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 25, 2011
LEWISBURG, Pa. --After starting the 2011 campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to St. Bonaventure last week, the Bucknell women's soccer team launches a six-game road trip with games at Buffalo and Canisius this weekend. The Bison visit Buffalo on Friday night at 7 p.m., then go across town to face Canisius on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Bucknell had an 11-8 shot advantage in its season debut but could not dent the back of the net. Sitting on a week's rest, the Bison look to get on the board against a pair of teams coming off mixed results in their openers. Buffalo won at Binghamton 1-0 in double overtime last Friday, while Cansius fell 8-1 at Wright State on Sunday.
Bucknell has five seniors on the roster in 2011, led by co-captains Casey Crowley and Tara Cort. Crowley missed the season opener due to illness but should be ready to go this weekend. Seniors Sadie Canter, Megan DeGennaro and Colleen Garrehy all started against St. Bonaventure, with Garrehy splitting the goalkeeping duties with junior Sandita McDermott.
Freshmen Courtney Nelson, Evelyn Nicinski and Cassie Denger all earned staring berths in the opener, and all performed well. Newcomers Victoria Matthews, Brigit Falcón and Michaela Berman also saw time as reserves, while sophomore Bridget Gilmartin made her first appearance and played all 90 minutes at right back after missing last season with an injury.
Junior Kayla Yee led the squad with three shot attempts against The Bonnies, while Denger and Taryn Boucher had two each.
Bucknell's next victory would make Ben Landis the winningest head coach in program history. He is currently tied with his predecessor Chrissy Findlay with 62 wins.
Buffalo won its opener on freshman Sophie Therien's goal off a free kick in the 104th minute against Binghamton. Ainsley Wheldon made five saves in goal for the Bulls, who were outshot 12-6 in the game.
Buffalo finished 3-15-1 overall and 2-8-1 in the Mid-America Conference last season. Stephanie Velez scored six of the team's 11 goals as a freshman in 2010.
Bucknell and Buffalo have met just once previously, that coming 13 years ago. On Sept. 6, 1998 in Buffalo, the Bulls won 3-1.
Canisius travels to Saint Francis (Pa.) on Friday prior to hosting the Bison on Sunday afternoon. The Golden Griffins conceded eight goals on 20 shots in their season-opening loss to Wright State. Kelly Reinwald converted a penalty kick 73 minutes in for Cansius's lone goal.
The Golden Griffins are coming off an outstanding season, finishing 14-7 overall and 7-2 in the MAAC in 2010, and they return much of their offensive firepower this season. Brianna Smith logged 15 goals and five assists, Reinwald had 11 goals and 12 assists, and Jenny Griffin had six goals and nine helpers last year as Canisius averaged 2.0 goals per game.
Bucknell and Canisius have never before met in women's soccer.
