The women's soccer team came into their game Sunday against St. Bonaventure looking to end the non-conference portion of their schedule undefeated. The Bulls also wanted to add a victory to their record after tying their last two games.
After hanging with the Bonnies and forcing overtime, the Bulls (4-1-2) suffered their first loss of the season, 2-1.
The Bulls started off strong when senior forward Andrea Vescio put in a header in off a corner kick to take the lead in the 19th minute.
Buffalo continued to impress throughout the first half, out-shooting the Bonnies, 8-5.
The tide began to turn during the second half when St. Bonaventure (5-3) came out rolling. Bonnies forward Anna Cunningham got a shot by Bulls' senior goalie Amy Coron in the 66th minute to tie the game. It was one of the 10 shots St. Bonaventure took in the second half.
For the Bulls, the second half provided fits. While the Bonnies shot at will, Buffalo's offense was only able to challenge St. Bonaventure goalie Nicole Markert with three shots.
Even though the advantage was in St. Bonaventure's favor in the second half, Coron made six saves in the half to force overtime.
The Bulls looked to regain momentum during the extra period. They got a shot off early, but St. Bonaventure was able to make the most of their opportunity.
St. Bonaventure midfielder Hannah Lapp hit the ball off of Coron's hands and into the back of the net to give the Bonnies the win.
Coron made eight saves in the losing effort as the Bonnies managed to outshoot the Bulls 17-12. Coron's goals-against average went up to .41 with the loss to the Bonnies.
Even with the loss, Bulls head coach Michael Thomas was proud of his goalie's effort.
"Amy has been tremendous," he said. "If you play seven games, and let in three goals, that's a great thing."
As Thomas reflected on the game, he believes his team played well and should not be discouraged by their effort.
"It was a very good and entertaining soccer game where both teams had chances to win the game," Thomas said. "The sport of soccer comes down to timely finishing, and you have to give credit to St. Bonaventure."
He also believes that the loss will help the Bulls in the long run and build their character heading into Mid-American Conference play.
"Nobody can go into a Division-I soccer season expecting to go 18-0 and go undefeated," he said.
Vescio and sophomore midfielder Lindsay Bailey both impressed Thomas during the game. They combined for Buffalo's only points Sunday with Bailey getting the assist on Vescio's goal. The two have combined for 16 points on this young season.
"Both of those players are very important pieces to the team." Thomas said.
While excited to begin Mid-American Conference play, Thomas plans to maintain the team's focus, and looks for his players to get better with each passing game.
"If we're able to be as consistent as we have been, it is going to be a really fun, very successful year," he said.
The Bulls start the MAC part of their schedule when they host Akron Friday night at UB Stadium. The match starts at 7 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
