NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Junior forward Breanna Catipovic found the back of the net three times for the  Niagara women’s soccer team en route to the Purple Eagles 7-0 victory over conference foe Saint Peter’s on Sunday afternoon during Senior Day. 

Niagara (8-7-; 3-3 MAAC) got scores from five different Purple Eagles, while eight members of the team earned at least a point against the Peacocks (1-14; 0-5 MAAC). 

"I thought we played well and did what we had to do," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "We scored early and often and it gave us an opportunity to play a lot of people to give them experience.  I think most importantly it gave us a chance to rest some people.  Going forward we have a huge weekend coming up so by getting on them early, I feel we were able to rest people and that will utlimately make the biggest difference for us."  

After a scoreless thirty minutes of play, the Purple Eagles tallied three quick goals for the 3-0 lead heading into intermission.  Catipovic netted the first pair to grab her first and second goals of the season. 

In the 34th minute of play, forward Jamie Raepple fed a through ball down the left side for Catipovic who ran in on Peacocks keeper Greta Vogel and slipped a low shot to the right corner.  Four minutes later, Catipovic pushed the Purple Eagles ahead by two after picking up a loose ball from a Kiley Titus shot and netting her second of the game. 

Titus netted her first goal of the season in the 39th minute to give NU 3-0 lead after getting a head on a cross from rookie Rachel Garvey. 

The teams headed into intermission with Niagara holding a 12-2 advantage in shots.

The Purple Eagles continued their scoring spree at the start of the second 45 minutes of play, starting with Catipovic’s third goal of the game in the 46th minute. Freshman Maria Siegrist-Gabas saw her corner kick connect with the foot of Catipovic for the one-time volley. 

"You never want to lose on Senior Day," Veltri added.  "I think the fact we were able to score quickly it took the pressure off and allowed the girls to just put a smile on and play."  

Senior Michaela DiFazio, freshman Hayley Besaw and Raepple continued to add to the NU lead as each nabbed goals making the score 7-0. 

In her second start of the season, Purple Eagle keeper Amanda Taylor earned her second shutout after making two saves in the contest.    

Niagara heads out on a two-game road trip to play in its final two away games of the season.  The Purple Eagles play Loyola (Md.) on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. and then take on Rider on Sunday, Oct. 21 for a 1 p.m. kick off.  

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