BUFFALO, NY - The Villa Maria College women's soccer team kicked off it's 2017 campaign on Friday at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA.  Despite a 11-1 loss, the Vikings recorded multiple program firsts, including a goal, an assist, and a record number of saves.

Senior Breanna Pangel (Holland, NY/Holland High School) scored her first, and the Villa program's first goal off a corner-kick assist by freshman midfielder Megan Marafino (Cheektowaga, NY/Cheektowaga High School).  The combination of Pangel and Marafino are responsible for the first point registered by the Vikings program as it begins just it's second second season of competition.

"Despite a loss, I think this was a great start for our team, program and athletic department as a whole," Villa head coach Amanda Janosky said.  "This was the first sporting event of the season for our school and we battled hard for 90 minutes and Bre was rewarded with our first goal.  There's still plenty for us to work on but I see a bright future ahead of us."

Junior goalkeeper Melyssa Olmstead (Barrie, Ontario, CA/Marygrove College) made a program-best 22 saves on the afternoon.  The Vikings (0-1) recorded three shots on goal and a total of five shots in the game.

Carlow (1-0) is dual-affiliated with both the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).  They have made two trips to the USCAA National Tournament since 2012.

UP NEXT
The Vikings will play their first home game of the season next when they host defending, and six-time USCAA National Champions, the University of Maine at Fort Kent Bengals on Tuesday, September 5th.  The game will take place at Mulroy Park on Pierce Field at 2 p.m.

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