BUFFALO, NY - The Buffalo women's soccer team finished its three-game home stand in style Sunday afternoon, using a late goal from Karen McMahon to defeat the IPFW Mastodons 1-0 at UB Stadium. It was senior day for UB's four seniors:  Aubrey Stahl, Angela Nicholas, Danielle Turnerand Cathryn Hilliard.

"We came out today and we honored our four seniors - they're players who have put a lot of work into this program and are starting to see the fruits of their labor and we were happy to get a win for them today," said head coach Michael Thomas.

Hilliard almost starter senior day off in style, but her shot on goal caromed off the right post to rob her of what would have been her first career goal. Despite the missed opportunity, Hilliard was more than pleased with the team's effort for the game.

"It was frustrating to hit the ball of the post but it was great for the team to hold together and pull through with the win at the end of the day," the Grand Island native said. "It's great to bring some wins to the program and finally get the results we've been wanting."

The Bulls had to wait until late in the game before getting the result it had hoped for, when McMahon netted her second goal of the season in the 71st minute. After gathering the ball on the right side, the sophomore forward beat her defender to the left and placed a well-timed shot to the lower right side to beat the keeper and give the team a major momentum boost for the final 20 minutes.

"Last season I had some trouble finishing but this season I feel like I've really matured and helped myself figure out what I need to do to finish on the goals; not just creating chances but to score," McMahon said.

"Karen's goal was great because we had made some good runs but she couldn't get the pass to them before they went offsides so she took it herself and finished it really cleanly," Thomas said.

That score would hold thanks in part to a stellar back line effort and another solid day from goalie Ainsley Wheldon, who now has four shutouts this season after making four saves. The Bulls outshot IPFW 12-7, putting eight of those shots on goal.

Buffalo will now hit the road, but it won't go far as next up will be the Niagara University Fall Classic. Friday the team will face host Niagara at 7:30 pm, with a Sunday matchup against Canisius to be held at 11:00 am.

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