BUFFALO, N.Y. — #5 in the region, Saint Michael’s College edged D’Youville 1-0 on Sunday at Dobson Field. The decisive goal came in the second half, breaking a scoreless tie. The Purple Knights controlled the pace with 15 shots, including seven on goal, while their goalkeeper recorded a shutout with two saves.
The first half opened with D’Youville creating early pressure, highlighted by Melia La’s (Essex, England / Illinois Central College) shot in the 3rd minute that was saved by Saint Mike’s goalkeeper. Amanda Kit (Markham, Ontario / Bill Crothers SS) stood firm in goal for the home side, making key saves in the 7th and 10th minutes to keep the match scoreless. Despite several corner kick opportunities and a near-miss by La in the 21st minute, the half concluded with neither team able to find the back of the net, maintaining a 0-0 tie going into the break.
The second half began with a tightly contested match, as both teams vied for control early on. The Purple Knights gained a narrow lead in the 61st minute with a goal by Regan Kelso. D’Youville goalkeeper Kit made crucial saves in the 71st and 72nd minutes to keep her team within striking distance, but ultimately, the home side was unable to equalize, closing the half with a 1-0 deficit…