TROY, N.Y. – Sophomore Dali Alarian netted the game's only goal in the 48th minute, leading the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Bard College in the Liberty League opener for both schools. With the win, the Engineers improve to 5-3-2 (1-0 LL), while the Raptors drop to 4-3-1 (0-1 LL).

After a scoreless first half, the Engineers struck quickly in the second, converting off a corner kick in the 48th minute. Senior Ayrton Starks sent a corner into the box for Alarian. Her initial shot was blocked, but she followed up on the rebound for her second goal in as many games.

The Engineers continued to control play throughout the remainder of the second half, out-shooting the Raptors, 9-0, in the stanza.
RPI wound up with a 13-3 edge in shots, including 5-1 on goal. After attempting a school record 18 corner kicks on Thursday, the Engineers had six against Bard, but held the visitors corner-less.

Tori Riopelle stopped the only shot she faced for her third shutout of the year. Bard's Kelsey O'Brien made four saves.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Goal No. 1: An RPI corner was put home on a second effort t by Dali Alarian. (48th)

FIRST LEAGUE VICTORY:
The Engineers open with a 1-0 record in Liberty League play. RPI has now won its last six league openers, dating back to 2010.

TWO IN TWO:
Dali Alarian scored her second goal in the last two games. She had the overtime winner against Castleton on Thursday night.

UP NEXT:
Rensselaer visits fifth-ranked William Smith on Friday (4pm).
The Raptors host Sage for a non-league game on Tuesday (7pm).