YONKERS, N.Y. – Sarah Lawrence first-year Sinjin Mendenhall scored a pair of goals Saturday to lead the Gryphons men's soccer team to a 3-1 victory over Maritime at Fleming Field. It's the Gryphons' first-ever win over the Privateers.

IN SHORT
Sarah Lawrence (5-5-1, 2-2-1) def. Maritime (7-6, 2-2), 3-1

RECAP
Sarah Lawrence, who entered the day 0-5 all-time against Maritime, turned in a gritty performance against one of the league's top squads, as the Privateers was picked fourth in the Skyline Preseason Poll and coming into the day with back-to-back Skyline victories over Farmingdale State and Mount Saint Vincent.

The Gryphons entered the match scoreless in their previous four meetings against the Privateers. That changed in the opening half, as Pacqui Pascual gave Sarah Lawrence a 1-0 lead 6:49 into the match, finishing inside the box to the near post off a free kick from Carlos Rivadeneyra.

Maritime tied the game in the 22nd minute on a goal from Nick Gino, who finished inside the box off a free kick.

Mendenhall put the Gryphons back in front, 2-1, in the 70th minute, finishing to the far post off a pass from Tristan Moehs. The rookie put the game away for Sarah Lawrence in the 83rd minute, finding the back of the net off a service from Pascual.

The Gryphons back line did a solid job holding up in the second half, producing a clean sheet despite 15 second-half shot attempts. Goalkeeper Matteo Romano earned the victory, getting the start in goal to begin the second half of play. The sophomore netminder made a season-high nine saves.

"It was a great result for us today at home during a pivotal stretch of the season," said head coach Evan Brandsdorfer. "We showed a lot of character and heart. We need to keep this momentum going with a big result at Old Westbury. Attention immediately turns to Wednesday afternoon."

UP NEXT
Sarah Lawrence begins a four-game road trip, starting Wednesday (Oct. 9) at Old Westbury.