WASHINGTON, DC--The Bison worked hard in a game where they aimed to avert a shutout at the hands of the Seahawks. Freshman forward Ellen Romano put forth the only shot in the second half that did not elude the grasp of Seahawk goalie Elizabeth Benge.

The Seahawks got up on the board early in the 4th minute off a goal by Caitlin Nichols. Sarah Grady picked up the assist. Nichols would eventually complete a hat trick, scoring in the 16th and 22nd minutes. Bison goalkeeper Virginia Keeler worked hard, deflecting 15 would-be goals in the first half. However, the Seahawk passing offense proved effective, as all ten Seahawk goals were scored in the same half. 

Keeler shut out Seahawk Michele Hughes for most of the half, stopping her shots cold, until Hughes finally prevailed in the 34th minute with a deft lob that went inside the left corner over Keeler. It took Hughes five shots to get through.

During the second half, Ellen Romano's intensity was clear as she dribbled past Seahawk defenders and nearly came close to picking up a goal, when goalkeeper Benge snagged the ball at the last possible second  to preserve the Seahawk shutout.

Other Seahawk scorers were Katrina Borden, Sarah Grady, Sophia Esparza, Lea Gonzalez and Lorena Conway (2). 

Newcomer coach Lena Dunning studied the players with patient ease, preparing her season goals in mind and rolling up her sleeves, ready to work with the players. Although her coaching debut did not start off the way she had pictured, the coach remains optimistic nonetheless. She supported the players after the game, and a team meeting was held, in where focus and priorities were re-established. 

Look for the Bison (0-4-1, 0-2 CAC) to continue re-building and taking on more challenges as they progress through 2007. Next up at midfield is the University of Mary Washington in continuing conference play. The game is set for Sunday, September 16 and the first kick is at 2:00 p.m.