ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – First-year
Nikki Magnozzi's first collegiate goal and appearance was key to the Bard women's soccer team defeating Rutgers-Newark, 1-0, on Friday afternoon in the Raptors' home and season opener.
Rutgers-Newark started strong with three shots on goal within the first 10 minutes of play.
McKenna Reeves was exceptional in goal with a career-high 11 saves, including three key one-on-one saves against the Scarlet Raiders.
Bard had their first shot on goal in the first two minutes of the game with a shot by
Carina Cooke. It wasn't until the 12:22 mark that the Raptors broke through the Rutgers-Newark defense. The Raptors took the lead when Magnozzi split Rutgers-Newark's goalkeeper and defender as they collapsed on a feed from
Alexandria Loner. The Raptors were on defense the rest of the game, holding strong against 18 Scarlet Raider shots and eight corners in the second half.
Camila Sandaal,
Natalie Wing, and
Carina Cooke proved their toughness through all 90 minutes in the match. Magnozzi,
Molly Belfiore,
Melania Hracs, and
Olivia Nestor all got their first collegiate minutes in the victory.
Bard faces NJCU in its Raptor Tournament finale at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
