Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY AARON TARQUINIO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The St. Bonaventure women’s soccer team looks to secure a final win before Atlantic 10 play as they take on a familiar foe in Canisius University Wednesday night.
The Bonnies (1-5-1) have faced fierce non-conference opponents in the past month, playing Power Four schools Baylor (5-2), Texas Tech (5-2) and Syracuse (6-1-1).
“The players understand the purpose of playing powerhouse teams like Syracuse,” said head coach Donny George. “As a coach, I prefer to play such teams out of conference to prepare us better for conference.”
SBU’s last game against Canisius (2-1-1) didn’t end in its favor, losing 0-2 in 2023, but with young players like freshman midfielder Maya Marolly now on the team, George has confidence in his underclassmen talent.
“I think Maya Marolly would surprise people, currently still only 17 years old and playing significant minutes,” said George. “In every game she has played, she is facing upperclassmen and grads, I think that’s pretty amazing and I am proud of her.”
Canisius won two of the four games they’ve played, losing one and tying the other. The Griffins, however, have only played one team with a winning percentage over .500 — the University at Buffalo.
Canisius’ leading scorers, senior forward Madeline Weltin and graduate defender Alicia Zamora, have combined for six goals, more than the Bonnies have scored in total this season. Bonaventure’s defense, led by sophomore defender Lauren Westwood, looks to contain CU’s offensive attack to edge out their Little 3 rival.
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and free to attend. The game will be played at the Tom 80’ and Michelle Marra Athletics Fields Complex and will be streamed on ESPN+.
tarquiap24@bonaventure.edu
