BOX SCORE

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's soccer team (0-1) suffered a 5-1 loss to visiting Scranton (2-0) in the Pioneers' season opener Sept. 3.

The Royals took the early lead when they beat the WP back line up the left flank and sophomore
Samantha Russo slid a ball across the box to classmate Rebecca Hextall on the right side for an easy goal in the 18th minute.

Senior Ashley Grabowski (Woodbridge, N.J./Woodbridge) evened the score when she caught Scranton goalkeeper Kelsey McAnelly off her line, launching a shot from midfield that found its way into the top-right corner in the 29th minute.

But, less than two minutes later, Russo made it a 2-1 Royal lead when she knocked in a loose ball that WP keeper Alyssa Falduto (Nutley, N.J./Nutley) couldn't control off a shot sent along the end line by senior Christina Cognetti.

Scranton made it a 3-1 margin 25 minutes into the second half when junior Jessica Sciscione played a ball up the right touch line to Russo, who drew Falduto to the near post and then tucked the ball inside the left netting.

Junior Caila Zappala took a Noelle Malone pass and looped a ball over Falduto's head from the top of the box with 11:23 remaining. Zappala struck again five minutes later, converting an assist from Sciscione.

Falduto had six saves for William Paterson, and sophomore Mary Jane Seiler (Robbinsville, N.J./Robbinsville) played the final 8:15 between the posts. McAnelly made three stops for Scranton.

William Paterson will host St. Joseph's-Long Island Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7:00 p.m.