EASTON, Pa. – Lafayette women's soccer team earned its first win of the 2025 season, defeating Central Connecticut State, 1-0, on Sunday at Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.

Both the Leopards and Blue Devils had multiple opportunities to score in the first 45 minutes, but neither team was able to get the ball into the goal. Lafayette came close to scoring on four occasions, as junior Heather Plowright sent two shots off of the crossbar. Then, junior Ava Murphy fired a shot off the left post and junior Nadia Zaffanella was denied on the doorstep of the goal with an acrobatic save by CCSU's goalkeeper Melina Ford. The Leopards' defense was also stout in the first half, holding CCSU to only four shots. Lafayette junior goalkeeper Catherine Apker swatted away two shots in the first 45 minutes of play.

In the second half, the hosts upped their offensive pressure, recording six shots in the period. In the 80th minute, the Maroon and White broke the scoreless tie. Plowright passed a perfectly placed ball towards the box, finding senior captain Katrina Santelli, who headed the ball into the goal and gave Lafayette a 1-0 lead.

For the remaining 10 minutes of the match, the Leopards held strong defensively, keeping the Blue Devils off of the scoreboard and locking up a 1-0 win.

Lafayette was credited with 12 shots, while CCSU had five. The Leopards were led by Santelli with four shots, three of which were on goal, including the game-winning goal, and Zaffanella, who had three shots, with two on goal.

Apker played the full 90 minutes in goal for the Maroon and White, recording three saves and earning her ninth career shutout. Her CCSU counterpart Ford also played the full 90 minutes, contributing five saves.

The Leopards are back in action when they host Drexel on Sunday at 4 p.m.