The Siena Heights Women's Soccer Team opened their 2016 season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over #19 Viterbo.
In a showcase of teams rated #16 and #19 in the nation, the game was evenly matched throughout. Viterbo got on the board in the first half with a goal from Maria Michels at the 26:58 mark. The Saints earned a penalty kick in the first half which was saved by V-Hawk goalkeeper Nicole D'Ambrose to go into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, the play went back and forth throughout. Samantha Bartelotti netted the equalizer on a shot from 16 yards out with less then 13 minutes left to play. Alexis Gainer notched the assist on the goal. Slightly under five minutes later, Bartelotti deflected a pass from a V-Hawk defender and was able to put another ball in the back of the net with a little over eight minutes left in the game.
The V-Hawks battled back and had an opportunity which was cleared off the goal line by a SHU defender to keep the one goal lead. Taylor Hill was in the net for the Saints, making two saves.
With the win, the Saints move to 1-0 on the season. They will return to action on August 30th with a home contest against #1 rated Spring Arbor at 7 pm.