AURORA, N.Y. - It was a tough United East Conference opener for the Gallaudet University women's soccer team here Saturday afternoon as the Bison fell 2-1 in overtime to Wells College. 

Gallaudet (0-3, 0-1 United East) held a 1-0 lead with less than minute left in regulation but Wells (1-5, 1-0 United East) was able to tie the game and force the extra frame. Mackenzie Powers scored the unassisted goal off a free kick at the top of the GU goalie box with 26 seconds left in regulation.

In overtime, Wells pressured the Bison goal and got two corner kicks, the latter set the table for the game-winner. Ericka Arancio took the corner from the left side of the field and lofted the ball to the middle of the Bison goalie box. Gallaudet couldn't clear the ball out and Lydia Thomas floated a shot to the right of the Bison goalie and end the conference opener for both teams just three minutes and 22 seconds into overtime.

The two teams played to a scoreless first half as Wells held a 6-4 edge in shots through 45 minutes played. 

In the second half, Gallaudet got on the scoreboard when freshman midfielder/forward Isabella Bucci (Hopedale, Mass.) scored an unassisted goal past Wells goalie Jenniger McCumber (six saves) in the 61st minute. Bucci dribbled around an Express defender and blasted shot to McCumber's left and into the goal.

BISON TRACKS

• Gallaudet held an 8-7 advantage in corner kicks
• Wells outshot GU by two, 14-12
• Bucci and freshman Ashley Harlicker (Shenandoah, Texas) led the Bison with five shots each
• Bucci had four shots on goal

UP NEXT
Gallaudet remains in New York and will travel to SUNY Morrisville (3-1-1, 0-0-1 United East) tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 19) for a 1 p.m. conference game.