The Le Moyne College women's soccer team opened its season with a home loss to Niagara, snapping any early unbeaten hopes in front of a modest crowd at Ted Grant Field.
The match, played on Thursday, ended 0‑0 at halftime before Niagara pulled ahead with two goals in the second half, ultimately securing a 3‑0 victory.
Junior goalkeeper Mikayla McPheron, a native of Rome, New York, turned in a season‑high 11 saves, battling 20 shots from the visitors and keeping the Dolphins in contention for as long as possible.
Niagara's goalkeeper Julia Poissant matched McPheron's effort, posting several key stops on shots by Ella Lathrop and Nicole Calle, while Izzy Schmidt and Sarah Lucas also tested the net.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Caitlyn Gratton struck twice, both assists coming from Naiya Johnston, putting Niagara ahead 2‑0.
Gratton added a third goal later in the half, sealing a 3‑0 final score and ending Le Moyne's brief unbeaten streak.
Looking Ahead
Coach Taylor Van Fleet praised the defensive effort but noted the need for sharper finishing as the team looks ahead to its next test.
The Dolphins are scheduled to travel to face Binghamton University on Sunday, August 23, at 1:00 P.M. at the same venue, hoping to fine‑tune strategies before conference play begins.
With a young roster and a promising goalkeeper, the team hopes to rebound quickly and restore momentum in the weeks to come.