NIAGARA N.Y.- Binghamton women's soccer won, 1-0, at Niagara Sunday afternoon, as Coach Neel Bhattacharjee claimed the first win of his Bearcat tenure. Patty Loonie scored the winner for BU.
 
After a scoreless first half, Loonie gave Binghamton the lead early in the second period. With possession to start the frame, BU immediately attacked, earning a corner kick. Michele Galvin placed a stellar ball into the box, where the sophomore rose up and headed the ball past the Niagara goalkeeper on the left side, putting the Bearcats up, 1-0 58 seconds into the second frame. Katie Hatziyianis made a save in the 81^st minute to preserve the shutout.
 
The hosts got out to a strong start, pressuring the BU defense in the opening minutes. Hatziyianis and the rest of the Bearcats were up to the challenge though, holding the Purple Eagles off the scoreboard. As the half progressed, Binghamton flipped the field and controlled possession. Loonie's shot in the 35^th minute was saved, but BU had established a rhythm that carried into the second half.
 
"It was a solid team victory," said Bhattacharjee. "Our backline did very well and Katie Hatziyianis made the big save when needed. I can't say enough about this freshmen class. I'm proud of this team. They showed they can grind out a result on the road and it's a great lesson to know about us this early in the season."
 
The score was the first of Loonie's career. Hatziyianis recorded the fourth shutout of her career.
 
Binghamton improved to 1-0-1 this season. It tied, 1-1, at St. Bonaventure on Friday. The Bearcats welcome Lafayette for the 2016 home opener on Thursday, August 25. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. start at the Bearcats Sports Complex.