NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Monmouth University freshman Julie Spracklin (Eastampton, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional) tallied her first career goal to pace the Hawks to a 1-0 victory at Niagara University in their first-ever Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) match on Saturday afternoon. Monmouth, now 7-1 overall and 1-0 in the MAAC, posted its sixth shutout in the process.

 

"This was a difficult road trip with poor weather and a long ride, however, good teams find a way to win and we did that," said head coach Krissy Turner. "We created a lot of chances but struggled to find the back of the net."

 

After a scoreless first half, the Blue & White got on the board in the 60th minute when Spracklin registered her first career score off a feed from junior Breynn Collazo (Wall, N.J./Wall). Spracklin, who ranks second on the team with three assists, now has five points from the midfield, while Collazo added her first career assist.

 

FIfth-year senior goalkeeper Ashley Lewis (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Boro), who made no saves in net for the Hawks, recorded her sixth clean sheet of the year.

 

"Our defense continues to be relentless in denying opportunities," stated Turner. "They are working well together and minimizing chances."

 

The Hawks, who have lost one match in their first eight games to open a season for the first time since 1995, outshot the Purple Eagles 12-2 in the second half.

 

Monmouth, which hit two posts and a cross bar during the match, held a 19-4 edge in shots overall, and a 12-3 advantage in corner kick opportunities.

 

Niagara goalkeeper Claire Feiertag made six stops for the Purple Eagles (1-8-0, 0-1-0 MAAC).

 

Turner added, "It was a great start to the MAAC for us and we are excited about the new teams we will play and proving ourselves in a different conference."

 

Monmouth returns to action on Saturday, September 28, when the Hawks host Canisius College in MAAC action on The Great Lawn at 1:00 p.m.

 

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