Women's Soccer: Riganelli's Brace Paces Mac to First Win

Marauders grab first clean sheet against OUA West-leading Guelph Gryphons in 2-0 win.

Box Score Ally Riganelli provided the firepower, and the Marauders successfully battened down the hatches Sunday, securing their first win with a clean sheet against the top team in the OUA West.

McMaster shut out the previously unbeaten Guelph Gryphons 2-0 at Ron Joyce Stadium, moving to 1-1-4 on the season with the victory.

Riganelli had both goals for the Marauders, while goalkeeper Deanna Persico stopped all three of the shots that she faced.

Neither team dominated in possession during the first half, with both sides seeing opportunities to score. Controversy struck when Guelph goalkeeper Brooke Davidson left the box to challenge an onrushing pass and was contacted, causing a delay in play.

McMaster's Jade Smith and Mary Craig combined for an incisive move later in the opening half, with Smith managing a shot that was blocked by the Gryphons keeper.

Riganelli scored the first goal of the game with just minutes left in the half, getting on the end of a Maila Carboni cross and scuffing home from close range.

Any attempt by the Gryphons to find an equalizer before the half's end was snuffed out, as the hosts took a 1-0 lead to the break.

McMaster started the second half with a bang, and another goal from Riganelli, as the forward had once again done the work to find herself in the right place at the right time, slotting into the open net in the 47th minute.

Where the Gryphons managed to grab hold of possession, they were routinely stymied in their search for an equalizer by a stout Marauders defence, who conceded no clear scoring chances down the stretch as they raced to victory.

NEXT UP: McMaster heads out on the road, visiting the Brock Badgers on September 16 for an 11:00 a.m. encounter in St. Catharines.

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