Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)

VESTAL, N.Y. - Sophomore midfielder Rebecca Raber tallied a goal and an assist and Binghamton women's soccer (3-1) won its third straight game, 2-0 over Lafayette Friday night from the Bearcats Sports Complex. The Bearcats scored once in each half and allowed just three shots by the visiting Leopards (2-1), who entered the game unbeaten.

"We looked pretty good in spurts and as the game progressed, we started to get more comfortable and gained more confidence," head coach Sarah McClellan said.

After a sluggish opening 20 minutes, BU started to put together some offensive opportunities and senior midfielder Emma Kurth cashed in with 18:01 remaining in the half. Raber sent a corner kick to the far post where a driving Kurth knocked it in on the doorstep for her first career goal. Kurth, a defensive workhorse in the midfield, drew praise from McClellan post-game.

"Emma is such a calming presence out there," McClellan said. "She's doing a great job and showing senior leadership along with our other seniors. Emma makes everyone feel like they can do their 'thing' and she will cover them."

The Bearcats nearly doubled their lead less then eight minutes later when sophomore forward Stephani Church found herself in alone on the rushing keeper. Church, the reigning America East Player of the Week, sent her shot high over the bar from close range.

Raber had a golden chance just 6:30 into the second half but her shot too, was high from eight yards out. She didn't miss midway through the period, however. Sophomore forward Katherine Corcoran, who put in a strong game, did some fancy dribble work on the left side of the box before laying off a square ball to Raber, who launched a rocket into the corner from 20 yards. The right-footed blast - her second collegiate tally - gave BU a cushion after the team had played three straight one-goal games.

"That was a highlight-reel goal," McClellan said. "A half volley that was still rising when it hit the net. That goal gave us a ton of energy ... everyone felt it. It helped us feel comfortable because Lafayette was starting to push."

Binghamton outshot Lafayette 9-3.

Senior keeper Carrie Martin was called on to make just two saves in collecting her third straight shutout. Martin lowered her goals against average to a miniscule 0.28.

The Bearcats host Niagara at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

"We need to recover, get healthy and focus on another good opponent," McClellan said. "We need to take advantage of home games and continue to get more comfortable on our game field. Sunday should be another good test."