LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University women's soccer team began Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play with a 1-1 tie against Siena on Saturday afternoon at Ben Cohen Field. The Broncs (3-2-3, 0-0-1 MAAC) played to their second consecutive draw, while the Saints (2-5-2, 0-0-1 MAAC) ran their unbeaten streak to four games.
 
It was nearly a scoreless first half until Rider senior Valeria Pascuet (Bunuel, Navarra, Spain/San Fermin Ikastola) sent the ball into the upper left corner of the net off a free kick in the 44th minute. The tally would give the Broncs a 1-0 edge heading into halftime. Siena would answer back in the 84th minute with a goal scored by Jayanna Monds and with assists by Carrie Krohn and Julianna Kissane to tie the score at one. Siena started off strong with early shots in the first half, but Rider would have the edge with 4-1 shots on goal at the break. Neither team was able to break through in the overtime periods despite each squad having several chances.

QUOTES & NOTES
"I think there is a different energy and atmosphere during daytime games. It was the first MAAC game, and we were nervous, but when we did settle down and we did get the ball into position we did look good at times. It was great to get that goal, it was great to come in at halftime with 1-0. The road will be good, it will be nice to play away from home. Getting off campus for a game will always be a positive for the team." – Rider Head Coach Drayson Hounsome

"It's really important for me to get onto the scoring sheet this season. It was my chance to put it in the back of the net. There is always something to improve, honestly. I'm not perfect, shots are going to go over the bar, but that's part of the game. You have to keep going, keep searching for that goal and be more composed." – Senior Valeria Pascuet

- Rider and Siena entered today's game tied at 10-10-4 in the all-time series. Following the day's tie, the all-time series moves to 10-10-5.
- Carmen Carbonell, Teresa Richardson, and Niamh Cashin played all 110 minutes for the Broncs.
- The Broncs return to action next Saturday, when they travel to Quinnipiac at noon.  

BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- The goal was Pascuet's first of the season.
- Goalkeeper Carmen Carbonell (Valencia, Spain/Guadalaviar School) made four saves to earn the draw.
- Rider held a 10-5 edge in shots on goal, while the Saints put up 21 shots to the Broncs 16.