Loretto, Pa.- Saint Francis women's soccer looks to build upon their first opening day win since 2012 when they host Iona in their home opener on Sunday.
 
OPENING KICKOFF
 The Red Flash enter the match at 1-0-0 after a 2-1 come-from-behind win against Niagara on Thursday night.
 
Mercedez Paino and Anouk Landgraff netted the equalizer and winner respectively, putting them both at two points each this season. Raine Korpics and Evangelia Barakos each assisted on a goal, putting them at one point each.
 
Landgraff is the first Saint Francis player to score in their debut since Heather Markiewicz did so in 2018.
 
Emma Sawich made five saves in the contest against Niagara, four of which came in the second half.
 
Brian Diaz notched his first win as a Division I and Saint Francis head coach against the Purple Eagles. He is just the third coach in program history to win his opening match and the first since Michael Coll did back in 2003.
 
 
THE WORD ON IONA
The Gaels enter the matchup at 0-1-0 on the year after falling 2-1 to Akron in their season opener on Thursday evening.

Kendall Infantino netted the goal for Iona in that matchup, giving her two points so far this season. Marissa Graziano assisted on that goal, leaving her with one point.
 
Savannah Rogers started the second half between the woodwork for the Gaels and made four saves.
 
LAST TIME WE MET
Saint Francis and Iona's last and only meeting occurred on Sept. 28, 1991 in a match that the Gaels won 3-0.
 
AROUND THE NEC
Howard won their opener against Saint Peter's 4-2 on Thursday night. Wagner played Rider to a scoreless draw as well.The rest of the NEC pack lost their opening matches on Thursday. LIU plays their opener against Albany on Saturday night, while CCSU, FDU and Delaware State kick off their 2024 seasons on Sunday.

UP NEXT
Saint Francis will head to Ohio to play the Penguins of Youngstown State on Aug. 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.