Women's Soccer
Second half dooms BU in 3-1 loss to St. Bonaventure

VESTAL, N.Y. — In a tale of two halves, host Binghamton University (4-3) led 1-0 and built an 11-0 shot advantage in the first half, only to watch St. Bonaventure roar back with three goals on nine shots in the second period to win, 3-1. The Bonnies (2-2-1) evened the score 6:56 into the second period, then took the lead for good just 5:25 later. They added an insurance goal with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

The Bearcats controlled play throughout the opening stanza, and took the lead on a goal by freshman forward Tatiana Mathelier (Pomona, N.Y./Saddle River Day, N.J.) with 4:27 remaining in the half. Sophomore midfielder Danielle Kosecki (Syracuse, N.Y./Solvay) broke down the right side and fed a ball in the middle to freshman linemate Deli Plourde (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa), who then found Mathelier streaking in on the left side. Mathelier, still coming back to form after a knee injury, drilled a 12-yard shot to the near side for her third goal of the season.

St. Bonaventure turned the tables right from the opening whistle of the second period. Despite making no substitutions the entire contest, the Bonnies showed improved speed and precision, and earned the equalizer on a penalty kick after a BU defender was whislted for tripping. Freshman midfielder Cheryl Benacci (Erie, Pa./McDowell) tucked the kick into the lower right corner at the 51:56 mark. Just 5:25 later, a BU defensive giveaway led to a goal from sophomore forward Lisa Nicola (Canton, Ohio/St. Thomas Aquinas). who converted a through ball from sophomore midfielder Lindsay Ardella (Hamlim, N.Y./Kendall). In the 85th minute, freshman midfielder Jara Petz (Strongsville, Ohio/Magnificat) sealed the win with a 10-yard shot off a loose ball in the box.

Senior keeper Karen Cunningham (Solen, Ohio) made 10 saves for the Bonnies.

The Bearcats return to action this weekend with away games at Howard (Friday) and American (Sunday) in Washington D.C.