The Bison women’s soccer team took the field to face Holy Cross for their fourth Patriot League game of the season on Sept. 29. After 90 minutes of consistent, determined effort, the Bison sealed the victory with a 1-0 win over the Crusaders. The win improved the team’s record to 3-1 in Patriot League play, and 5-6-1 for the overall season.

Coming off close wins against American and Loyola the previous week, the Orange and Blue’s slight advantages in those contests reflected the team’s growth and effort throughout the season.

From the beginning of the match, both teams looked for scoring opportunities. Less than 10 minutes into the game, Holy Cross had a great chance to go ahead. Goalkeeper Theresa Adu-Attobrah ’20 stopped the shot, one of four saves she made throughout the game.

Just minutes after this attempt by the Crusaders, the Bison answered back in the 13th minute when Kate Henesey ’22 buried a goal for the Bison. The play started after co-captain Ali Russo ’20 won the ball at the top right of the Holy Cross box. Russo was ready to strike, but instead sent the ball to teammate Bailey Hurst ’20. The ball bounced around in front when Henesey found it and capitalized on the opportunity.

This was Henesey’s second goal of the season, having scored a few days prior in the match against Loyola, which earned her Patriot League Rookie of the Week recognition.

After taking the lead, the Bison battled the Crusaders shot for shot, taking 16 while their opponents registered 17 shots.

Carly Baggott ’19 made critical plays on defense to ward off a tying goal, heading away one shot and deflecting another to ultimately secure the victory. Adu-Attobrah collected her second shutout in a row and her fourth of the season.

“It was in no way the cleanest game we have ever played, but we came together and found a way to win it,” Bri Kropinack ’21 said.

The Orange and Blue will be back in action when they take the road to face Army West Point on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.