Pulvirenti saves ten in loss to Bears

St. Louis, Mo. - Junior goalkeeper Tayler Pulvirenti made 10 saves against #1 Washington University Wednesday night as the Griffins suffered their first loss in six games. The Bears' 4-0 win extends their record to 9-0-1. Fontbonne falls to 8-2-1.

First half play was relatively even in terms of possession and both teams had multiple good runs quickly eliminated by the other team's defense. Each team committed fouls in the zone but failed to connect about eight minutes into the game.

Fontbonne fans thought the Griffins might get on the scoreboard first as Natalie Sipole gained control of the ball in the middle of the field, surrounded by Bears and found Lynsey Godier open upfield on the right side. Godier crossed into the box as Ashlynn Reiter darted for the shot attempt, but the Griffins were shut down as Washington U. goalkeeper Lizzy Crist dove to secure the ball.

With the score still tied 0-0, Pulvirenti made a daring attempt, diving to end a Bear offensive threat at the 34:30 mark and completed a very similar play again five minutes later. Pulvirenti made a leg save immediately thereafter as Lillie Toespern was all alone in front of the goal. The save then deflected off the right post.

The Bears stormed out after a 0-0 halftime rest with two quick shots in the first two minutes of play and continued their offensive charge for the majority of the second half, waring down the small Griffin squad. Washington U. scored five minutes into the half on a header from a corner with the same scenario giving them a 2-0 lead at 54:15. The Bears would score twice more before the game was over.

Washington U. averages just over 29 shots per game. Against Fontbonne, the Bears tallied 23 shots with 14 in the second half alone. Washington U. completed 24 substitutions in the game compared to Fontbonne's 13.

Before the game, the Griffins highlighted Breast Cancer Awareness and raised over $170 to benefit St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Fontbonne takes on Blackburn for their second SLIAC game of the season in Illinois this Saturday at 1pm.