BOX SCORE LORETTO, Pa. (Oct. 5, 2014) -- On a frigid afternoon in Sweet Loretto the Saint Francis U women's soccer team conquered Northeast Conference foe Central Connecticut State 1-0. The Red Flash has now posted back-to-back shutouts to open NEC play.
 
CCSU (4-4-3; 0-1-1) held a 9-to-1 advantage over the Flash (2-9-2; 2-0-0) in the shot category at the end of the first half, but also drew 10 fouls to SFU's five. Both teams took one corner kick during the first half.  Freshman keeper Lexie Mirenda (Altoona, Pa./Altoona Area) collected five saves in the first half.
 
The Red Flash broke the Central Connecticut defense in the 84th minute. Senior Eloá Nascimento threaded a brilliant ball through the Blue Devils defense, connecting with captain Mackenzie Walter (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg) who in turn headed the ball home. Walter scored her first game-winning goal of the season; she leads the team with three goals.
 
"I'm proud of our performance this afternoon," said head coach Brenda van Stralen.  "We created many good chances on offense and, defensive, were able to keep the shutout.  It was a solid performance."
 
Nascimento earned her first assist of the season.
 
Mirenda faced 18 shots during the match, ending the contest with 10 saves. The freshman has earned consecutive shutouts in her first two starts between the pipes.   
 
CCSU's offensive threat posed 18 shots on the SFU defensive line.
 
The Red Flash return to action Friday Oct. 10 against the Bryant Bulldogs.