Aug. 18, 2008

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - After a week and a half of preseason workouts and drills, the St. Bonaventure women's soccer team took the field for its lone exhibition game on Saturday evening, picking up a 1-0 win over Syracuse at SU Soccer Stadium.

Instead of playing the normal 45-minute halves, the two clubs still endured 90 minutes of action, but via three, 30-minute periods.

"I thought the first 30 minutes we were tight and really nervous," said third-year head coach Manoj Khettry. "I was really pleased with our play over the final 60 minutes because we matched up well with a Big East team both physically and technically. It was a good start, but as we improve, hopefully, we'll be able to play even better."

The Brown and White broke the scoreless 0-0 tie with just six minutes remaining in the third and final frame as the sophomore forward duo of Courtney Bosse and Anna Cunningham hooked up for the game's lone tally. Cunningham started the scoring chance and her initial shot on goal was saved, but the rebound came to Bosse, who put home the rebound.

Sophomore keeper Nicole Markert logged all 90 minutes in net for the shutout.

St. Bonaventure will open the 2008 season on Saturday, August 23, when it welcomes Marshall to McGraw-Jennings Field. The game will be the season-opener for both clubs and will kick-off at 3 p.m.