BUFFALO, N.Y. - Behind a clean sheet from junior goalkeeper Laurie Poeller and a second-half go-ahead goal from freshman Lauren Zwolenkiewicz, the D'Youville women's soccer team defeated Malone, 1-0, for the program's first victory over NCAA Division II opposition Saturday afternoon at Dobson Field. Saturday's non-conference victory improves the Saints to 1-2 on the season and it marks the first victory for first-year head coach Abby Pearson. 

A back-and-forth first half saw both sides enter the locker tied at zero. The Pioneers threatened early and often in the opening 45 minutes, peppering the D'Youville net with five shots on goal and 10 total in the opening half. Poeller kept the Saints level, saving all five of the Pioneer attempts on net. 

The D'Youville offense picked up steam in the second half with three shots on goal, including Zwolenkiewicz's winner in the 65th minute. The Clarence Center, N.Y. native broke the deadlock with her first collegiate goal, scored just in front of the net after midfielder and graduate transfer Dani Camilleri picked her out from across the 18-yard box. Camilleri's assist was her first of the season and first in a D'Youville shirt. After taking the game's first goal, the D'Youville defense hunkered down for the final 25 minutes to secure the shutout.

Notables 

Zwolenkiewicz, junior Maggie Leeds, and sophomore Jordan Pachla each registered shots on goal for the Saints … Poeller collected seven saves during her 90 minutes between the D'Youville pipes. 

In the losing effort, the Pioneers outshot the Saints 16-6 and 7-3 in shots on goal while maintaining 54% of possession on the afternoon … Malone was also awarded eight corner kicks compared to zero for the Saints. 

Up Next 

The Saints return to Dobson Field for the East Coast Conference opener next Saturday, September 18 when they host Daemen at noon. Tune into next Saturday's match on the ECC Network and follow the action on Live Stats.

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