The University of Niagara Purple Eagles defeated the Quinnipiac University Bobcats 4-0 in a physical and hard-fought match. Junior Laura Ortiz led the Purple Eagles with two goals on the afternoon.

Ortiz scored the first goal of the game with 10 minutes left in the half. Then, a minute later, the Purple Eagles (6-2-2) scored again, this time it was senior Hallie Price. The Purple Eagles went into half time with a 2-0 lead over the Bobcats (5-5-0).

It was an evenly played match in the first 35 minutes, but once the Eagles were able to gain momentum after the first goal, they pulled away from there. Ortiz added a penalty kick 63 minutes in to put the Purple Eagles up 3-0. Sophomore Eva Bachmann scored Niagara’s final goal of the game with 18 minutes left in regulation.

The weather and field conditions were rough, as there was a strong wind chill and the field was muddy because of yesterday’s rain. However, Bobcats head coach David Clarke refused to use that as an excuse for his team’s poor play.

“No, no actually these conditions are prefect to play in, these are the days you want to play in,” Clarke said after the game.

Niagara’s senior goalkeeper Claire Feiertag had three saves on the day, as she shut out the Bbcats. Clarke praised Niagara’s defensive effort.

“They defended the free kicks and corners very well,” he said. “They were very physical.”

Quinnipiac hopes to get back on track next week when they travel to play Marist on Oct. 7.