WOMEN'S SOCCER

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's soccer team wrapped up their 1997 season with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Syracuse University at RAC Field. The Bulls finish the season 5-12-1 while the Orangewomen head to the Big East Tournament at 14-5-0.

Syracuse got on the board early when midfielder Erin O'Grady scored at 1:47 from forward Stacy Shanning. The Orangewomen dominated most of the first half, firing 11 shots to UB's three. However, despite the strong play from Syracuse, UB's Tara Donohue (Port Crane, NY/Chenango Valley) scored off a corner kick from midfielder Tracey Britton (Brockport, NY/Brockport) with :12 remaining before halftime to knot the score at one goal apiece.

The Bulls came out strong to start the second half, pressuring the Orangewomen in their zone. However, Syracuse was able to pull ahead when O'Grady tallied her second goal of the night, knocking the ball into the UB net off goalkeeper Jaime Adams (Rochester, NY/Greece-Arcadia) for a 2-1 lead. Following several good Syracuse scoring chances, UB's Kirsten Hanson (Youngstown, NY/Lew-Port) fired a shot through traffic from the left of the SU goal that found its way into the net to tie the score at 2-2. However, just when it appeared the two teams would be heading for overtime, O'Grady struck again, breaking in and shooting the ball into the Buffalo net around Adams with :30 seconds remaining to give Syracuse the 3-2 victory. The Bulls were outshot 24 to seven, and keeper Adams made nine saves.

UB now prepares for its move to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) beginning with the 1998 season.