GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. (Sept. 23, 2017)- Junior Amanda Benoit (Hazlet, N.J. / Raritan) netted the game-winner in the 75^th minute to propel the Centenary University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Gwynedd-Mercy University on Saturday afternoon.

Benoit took a game-high three shots for the Cyclones who improve to 5-1 overall and remain unbeaten at 3-0 in the Colonial States Athletic Conference. Meghan Petroski scored the lone goal for the Griffins who fall to 3-4-1 overall and 1-1-1 in the CSAC.

Despite three goals being scored, shots came at a premium in the contest with both teams combining for only nine shots. The Cyclones didn't accumulate more than five shots in a half, but managed to put six shots on frame. The Griffins only tallied one shot in each half with only one shot on frame.

Centenary had GMercyU on the ropes early as junior Kara LaPolice (East Amwell, N.J. / Hunterdon Central) notched her fourth goal of the season in the fourth minute of the match. LaPolice fired a shot from 25 yards out that the Griffins' netminder misjudged and it curved in for the score.  The early goal proved to be the difference in the opening stanza as Centenary held a 1-0 advantage at intermission.

The Griffins made things interesting in the second half as they scored on their only shot attempt of the half. Petroski scored off a one touch pass from Victoria Braeunle in the 53^rd minute to even the contest at 1-1.

Centenary broke the tie in the 75^th minute when sophomore Victoria Speakman (Sicklerville, N.J. / Timber Creek) played a through ball to fellow classmate Chloe Christopher (Flemington, N.J. / Hunterdon Central). Christopher then played a long cross to Benoit who headed it in for her fifth goal of the season and the 26^th of her career.

That goal continues her climb in the Centenary record book with her 78^th career point. She moves into eighth place all-time in points and ninth place all-time in goals. Benoit wasn't the only Cyclones to move up in the record books this afternoon; Christopher notched her 17^th career assist, which moved her into a tie for fifth place all-time with Tayna DiDonna (2004-07).

LaPolice tallied two shots, while senior Jessica Benoit (Hazlet, N.J. / Raritan) and redshirt sophomore Sam Bombardiere (Toms River, N.J. / Toms River East) each recorded one shot apiece.  Kristina Ryeck was the only other Griffin to record a shot, while Kailey Hopkins made four saves in the loss.

Head Coach Kevin Davies and the Cyclones will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 26^th, hosting the Pacers of Marywood University at 3:00 p.m.