LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Ashleigh Barone broke nearly ever program record in one play. The senior striker set the career record for goals, points and game-winning goals as her tally stood up in the Saints’ 1-0 triumph over Quinnipiac in the team’s home opener Sunday at Siena Field.

 

A local product from Shenendehowa High in Clifton Park, N.Y., Barone has now tallied 88 career points, 36 goals and 14 game-winning goals surpassing former Siena (2-0) legend Kristen Turner ’07 for the all-time lead in each category.

 

“It’s great,” said Barone on setting the records. “Coach said get some more goals and you can hold the record for a long time. It’s just really great, I’m speechless.”

 

“I’m glad she’s on our team,” noted head coach Steve Karbowski. “It’s a comforting feeling knowing she’s going out on the field every day. She’s really improved from her freshman year and is really a tremendous player.”

 

After their originally scheduled home opener was called two weeks ago due to thunder and lightning, Mother Nature threatened to delay the Saints’ first game of the year in Loudonville once more. But following some inclement weather prior to kickoff, Barone would ultimately be the only one providing any fireworks.

 

In the 31^st minute, Barone made history thanks to some precision passing from her teammates. Kaitlyn Sharo fed Caitlin Cahalan who quickly led in Barone down the middle. Like she has so many times before, Barone beat her defender and tipped the ball in over the goalie who sprinted out to play the ball but couldn’t get there in time.

 

“I saw the goalie coming out so I just had to slide,” said Barone. “I didn’t even see where the ball went but when I looked up I saw it went into the corner of the net and heard all of the yelling so I was excited.” 

 

Barone’s milestone would prove to be enough as the stingy Siena defense clamped down once again for the squad’s second straight shutout to begin the season. The starting backfield logged all 90 minutes despite the extreme heat and humidity and Laura Ettinger was once again commanding in goal.

 

Ettinger has now stopped all 14 shots she’s faced this season, but none was bigger than the one she turned aside in the 87^th minute. Quinnipiac’s (0-1-1) Aine McKeever took a cross in front and fired low along the ground to the open side of the net, but Ettinger dove to her right making a tremendous save and preserving the win.

“It was great to win the home opener,” added Barone. “We say never lose on this field so it’s great to keep that going.”

 

It was the Saints’ ninth straight home win as the program has also now captured five straight home openers. Additionally, Siena has now won 17 straight regular season non-conference games and is unbeaten in its last 19 non-conference home matches.

 

Siena outshot the Bobcats 16-12, with Quinnipiac holding a 3-2 edge in corners. The Bobcats’ Jill Kelley did all she could to keep her team in the game, making seven saves.

 

The Saints return to the pitch Friday night when they travel to Delaware for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Barone will continue her pursuit of the one major record she is still closing in on – the all-time assists mark – of which she stands just three shy of passing former teammate Chelsea Maguire ’09.