WAYNE, NJ—The University of Scranton early season scoring onslaught continued Saturday afternoon against William Paterson University.

Behind two goals apiece from sophomore forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, NY/Yorktown) and junior forward Caila Zappala (Annandale, NJ/North Hunterdon), the Royals blitzed William Paterson, 5-1, to improve to 2-0 on the season.

The Royals also received a goal from sophomore midfielder Rebecca Hextall (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Marymount), two assists from junior back and tri-captain Jessica Sciscione (Freehold, NJ/Red Bank Catholic), and an assist apiece from Russo, senior midfielder and tri-captain Christina Cognetti (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) and junior midfielder/back Noelle Malone (Rockville Centre, NY/Kellenberg Memorial).

William Paterson, now 0-1, tied the match on an unassisted goal by Ashley Grabowski in the 28^th minute of the first half.    Russo then scored twice—in the 30^th minute on a ball from Cognetti and in the 69th minute on a ball from the right side served up by Sciscione—as Scranton regained the lead for good, 3-1. 

Zappala’s two goals in the final 12 minutes of play sealed it.

Once again, Scranton back line of Sciscione, Cognetti, Malone and junior Amanda Kresge (Clifton, NJ/Immaculata Heart Academy) made things easy for sophomore goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy).  This quartet held the Pioneers to just four shots on goal, three of which McAnelly turned away.

Scranton’s nine goals in two matches to open a season are the most since 1986.  That team scored 13 matches in its first two matches.

The Royals will wrap-up a three-match road trip this Wednesday, September 7, against Wilkes University at the Ralston Athletic Complex in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

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