BUFFALO. N.Y.—The Franciscan womens soccer team won its first conference game of the season over Medaille College 1-0 in a game filled with teamwork and a late goal. After struggling with slow starts and a string of losses the Lady Barons showed up for this game with high energy, mental toughness and overall good chemistry.

"The girls played probably the best game they've played all season today. They were focused and hungry for this win," head coach Clare McBane said. "They did everything we've been talking about with our offensive attack and they did it well."

The game was controlled by Franciscan's possession of the ball as they were able to get constant opportunities for shots on goal in the box but it took until the end of the game for the ball to connect with the net.

It wasn't until the 78th minute when Hannah Cooke lined up a shot from far outside the 18-yard box that the ball flew over the keeper's head into the center of the net right under the crossbar.

"Possession weighed heavily in our favor but Medaille is a good team and did challenge us with good looks at our goal," McBane said.

Although the Mavericks had opportunities they weren't able to get through the Lady Baron defense. Standout goalkeeper, Mallory Garthwaite, made a save early in the first half that was a game changer for the Lady Barons.

An opponent broke through Franciscan's defensive line for a one on one with Garthwaite sending a line drive straight for the net but Garthwaite dove to deflect the powerful shot out of the box straight out of bounds.

"It definitely would have been a goal with any other keeper and that is what prevented them from scoring before us," McBane said.

Also making a difference on the defensive end were Mary Duran and Calene Dougherty as they didn't allow the mistakes of past games let the Mavericks score. They stepped hard and made the back wall impassable.

The team played overall consistently throughout the game and McBane only made one substitute in the entirety of the game.

"The girls played phenomenal from start to finish, so well that I didn't want to sub them out because their chemistry looked so good," McBane said.

The Lady Barons look to continue the mentality of this game in their next game on Oct. 12 versus conference opponent Hilbert College.

"It's been tough to lose our first conference games so I think this was a good game for them to see the fruit of the labor they have put in," McBane said. "This gives them some confidence as we continue into our conference season."