LORETTO, Pa. (Oct. 23, 2009) – Brittany Valentine (Hudson, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit/) (Hudson, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) scored the game winner, but it was Rachael Seibert (Murrysville, Pa/Franklin Regional) (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) who factored into both goals as the Saint Francis women's soccer team defeated Bryant 2-1 in a Northeast Conference match up on Friday afternoon at the Stokes Soccer Complex.

A rainy day and a muddy field couldn't stop the Red Flash.  After getting off to a slow start, Seibert netted her team-leading eight goal of the season 26 minutes onto the first half.  Brittni Grenninger (Chicora, Pa/Karns City ) (Chicora, Pa./Kairns City) took the ball up the sidelines then sent a perfect pass over to Seibert.  Seibert was able to beat Bulldogs goalkeeper Kelsi Jacob as she game out to play the ball, giving SFU a 1-0 lead.

Bryant was able to tie the game up right before halftime.  Mary Green took a shot that was deflected in past Red Flash goalkeeper Jessica Boyer (Pittsburgh, Pa/Mount Lebanon) (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mount Lebanon) to put the score a 1-1.

The second half brought more action.  Freshman Brianna Butcher (East Longmeadow, Mass./East Longmeadow) (East Longmeadow, Mass./East Longmeadow) a great opportunity, but Jacob came up with a big save.  Five minutes into the half, Seibert took the ball up the center of the field on a breakaway.  Jacob came out to play the ball and hauled Seibert down, getting a red card to give SFU a man-advantage.  

The Red Flash used their extra player to control the game.  With just under five minutes to play, Seibert flicked the ball across the field.  It was picked up by Valentine, who beat Bryant goalkeeper Katie Mitchell to give the Flash a 2-1.  Butcher came close to adding an insurance goal, but hit the post.

Valentine is second on the team with five goals and an assist for 11 points.  Seibert is the team leader in points (20), goals (8) and assists (4).

Boyer made a season season-high 11 saves in the victory that halted a two-game losing streak for the Red Flash.  Jacob and Mitchell combined for four saves as the Bulldogs outshot Saint Francis 16-11.

SFU will take Sunday off before heading out to Connecticut at the end of the week.  They will take on Central Connecticut in New Britain on Friday in a 3 p.m. contest before heading over to Quinnipiac on Sunday.