The Bison women’s soccer team moved to 1-0 in Patriot League play after Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Lafayette.  The win was a display of team effort after finishing one of the most challenging stretches of opponents prior to Patriot League play.

With the Orange and Blue coming off a pair of losses in last weekend’s matches in Washington, D.C., the team sought to shift momentum. Meanwhile, the Leopards looked to build on their season after tallying their third and fourth wins of 2019 just the week prior.

The Bison’s first goal came at the 18th minute when Rylee Donaldson ’23 was fouled in the box, giving Abby Gearhart ’23 her first career attempt at a penalty kick. The rookie tallied the game’s first goal with a well-placed shot to the right. Gearhart went on to contribute once again 70 seconds later when the Leopards fouled again just five yards outside the box. Gearhart sent a ball toward the goal where Chloe Christakos ’21 headed the ball to the back of the net.

In the second half, Lafayette answered with a goal of their own in the 78th minute. The goal against the Bison was one of 11 shots Kaylee Donnelly ’23 faced from Lafayette’s strong offense. The Leopards came close to closing the gap several times, ending the game with a 17-8 shot advantage over the Bison.

Both Gearhart and Donnelly earned Patriot League accolades, receiving their second PL Rookie and Goaltender of the Week awards, respectively.

“This past weekend was a great way to start off the Patriot League,” Bri Kropinack ’21 said. “All season we have been preparing for league play and it is exciting to see our hard work paying off. Next up, Boston.”

The Bison will be back in action next weekend when they host last year’s Patriot League champions Boston University on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.