Taylor Dorado was phenomenal in making a season-high 12 saves, but Lexie Palladino’s 20^th minute goal was the difference as two-time defending MAAC Champion and unanimous preseason favorite Monmouth edged Siena Women’s Soccer 1-0 in West Long Branch, New Jersey.

Palladino finished a one-timer off a feed from Dana Scheriff through Jill Conklin for the decisive tally for Monmouth (8-3-1, 3-1) which improved to 47-4-3 (.898) in conference play since joining the MAAC in 2013.

The Hawks held a 25-4 advantage in shots and a 4-3 margin in corners. Monmouth recorded all 12 first half shots and took the first 14 attempts in the second half before Siena (3-6-3, 0-1-2) registered its first look in the 56^th minute.

The Saints made a strong push at the end to chase the tying goal – taking a pair of shots and all three of their corner kicks over the final seven minutes – but were unable to find the equalizer.

Amanda Knaub made four saves for the Hawks which have captured seven of eight all-time meetings between the programs.

Siena will look to bounce back Wednesday when they travel to Fairfield for a key 7 p.m. kickoff.

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