LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Freshman forward Gabby Albano and sophomore striker Kelsey Horst each scored their first collegiate goals as Siena Women’s Soccer picked up its first win of 2015, defeating defending America East Tournament Champion New Hampshire 2-0 in the home opener Sunday afternoon at Siena Field. Senior goalkeeper Liz Rogan made a career-high nine saves to post her second straight shutout.

Siena (1-1-2) has now won seven of its last nine home openers while improving to an impressive 27-3-2 (.875) in non-conference home matches dating back to the start of the 2007 season.

After allowing a total of seven goals over their first two matches, the Saints’ defense was superb for the second time this weekend in achieving the team’s second straight clean sheet. Rogan, who made a then career-high eight saves in recording her first collegiate shutout in Friday’s night’s scoreless draw at Cornell, tallied 17 saves in all without allowing a goal over her impressive weekend.

Offensively both teams had a handful of high percentage scoring chances, but it was the Saints who were able to most the most of their opportunities. In the 41^st minute freshman midfielder Meghan Riccardi combined with her classmate Albano to put Siena in front and snap New Hampshire’s (1-1-2) 350-plus minute scoreless streak to begin the season. Riccardi made a great individual effort down the middle of the field and controlled the ball into the box, shielding it from both the keeper and a defender, and deflected the pass through to the left to Albano who finished inside the near left post for what would ultimately prove to be the game-winning goal.

The Saints put the game away in the 54^th minute as Horst volleyed junior back Tara Sobierajski’s corner off the crossbar and in as Siena was on its way to improving to a perfect 4-0 all-time against the Wildcats.

UNH held a 16-13 edge in shots, while the Saints harbored a 5-4 advantage in corners. Mimi Borkan made six saves for New Hampshire, while Brooke Murphy paced the Wildcats offensively putting four of her six shots on target.

Siena continues its season long three-game homestand – and three-match stretch against America East opponents – when they host Binghamton next Sunday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. 

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