Women's Soccer ties Niagara University 2-2 in exhibition

NEW YORK - The Brock University women's soccer team played NCAA Division I opponent Niagara University Purple Eagles to a 2-2 tie Sunday afternoon in exhibition action on the road.

"Our top freshmen blended very well with our returning starters today," explained Durish. "I was happy with the way we played. We did a lot of things well this weekend and still have another two weeks to prepare for the regular season." 

Freshman striker Larissa Bruzzese (Welland, Ont.) made an immediate statement adding both Brock goals in her Badgers debut.

"With the addition of Larissa and the returning trio of seniors Cassandre, Jill and Lisa we are going to have one of the top offensive teams in the OUA," said Durish. "Larissa is a very talented striker with great speed and a true scoring touch."

On the backend, senior Dayna Haig (Toronto, Ont.) and junior Stephanie DiMartino (Markham, Ont.) both had strong games. Freshman defender Lauren Giles (Pickering, Ont.) also played well in her Badgers debut.

"Brock has always been known for their defense, and this year's defensive unit will be just as strong as past seasons," said Durish. "We have a strong class returning on the backend as well as a couple key newcomers." 

Notes: Senior Syreeta Rhoden and sophomore Luciana Di Paolo split the game in goal playing 45 minutes allowing one goal each... next weekend, August 28th and 29th, the Badgers will be at home in pre-season exhibition action versus Centennial College and Sheridan College.