For Immediate Release: August 27, 2004
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton women's soccer edges Manhattan 2-1 in opener

Box Score

THIELLS, N.Y.--Junior midfielder Kelly Sanders (Ramsey, N.J.) buried a left-footed volley into the upper corner with 15:27 remaining in regulation, lifting Binghamton (1-0) to a 2-1 win over Manhattan (0-1) in the season opener for both teams Friday afternoon at North Rockland High School. Sanders also assisted on BU's first goal.

"We moved the ball around well and created tons of chances," head coach Jeff Leightman said. "We should've finished more of our opportunities, but it's nice to get the win."

The Bearcats, who held a 23-9 margin in shots, opened the scoring in the 19th minute of play when freshman forward Kim Povill (Massapequa, N.Y.) netted her first collegiate goal. The Jaspers scored the equalizer 7:07 into the second half on a penalty kick.

Senior center midfielder and co-captain Deli Plourde (Clifton Park, N.Y.) set up Sanders' game-winner. Plourde raced down the left wing and sent a cross to the far post where Sanders settled it and registered her first collegiate goal with a blast to the top left corner.

"It was a brilliant goal," Leightman said of Sanders' finish.

Sophomore keeper Kristie Bowers (Rochester, N.Y.) made four saves for Binghamton, which next travels to Olean to face St. Bonaventure at 2 p.m. on Sunday.