BY: AIDAN SHINNERS; STAFF WRITER
Photo Courtesy of gobonnies.com
The St. Bonaventure women’s soccer team enter Atlantic 10 Conference play with a record of 3-3-2 while achieving a win or draw in every single home contest outside of A-10 play.
Transfer players have made an impact on the stat sheet early on this season. Graduate Student and Shaw University transfer Giovanna Coghetto is leading Bonaventure’s offense with five goals and 11 points in her first season as a Bonnie including a three-goal game against Post University on August 31.
Coghetto said she chose St. Bonaventure because she felt it was the best place for her both on and off the field.
“The coaches believed in me and the team culture stood out right away,” Coghetto said. “I knew this was a place where I could keep growing as a player and as a person.”
Coghetto also mentioned that she wants to make an impact in as many ways as possible.
“I’ve tried to help [the team win] by scoring goals and bringing energy and consistency to practice,” Coghetto said. “I try to lead by example and make the players around me better.”
Graduate defenseman Paula Sanabria Diaz transferred in from Campbellsville University and has already tallied her first goal in the brown and white. Graduate Midfielder Daniela De Souza put up a goal and two assists against Post and added another assist at home against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
Sophomore forward Ekemini Udofa touched on the importance of the new transfers to this year’s team.
“Having so many transfers has brought so much knowledge and experience to the team,” Udofa said. “They each bring so many positive things that have only made us better.”
Udofa also said that due to there being so many new players she felt responsible to be a team leader both on and off the field.
“As one of the few returners this season, I have definitely tried to lead in any way I can,” Udofa said. “Whether that be encouraging my teammates to be their best selves or just doing my best to keep a positive attitude both on and off the field.”
As for goalkeeping, St. Bonaventure has primarily deployed Junior Juliana Castellano. Castellano has already played in six games in 2025 compared to her one appearance in 2024. Castellano has posted a 0.91 goals against average and a save percentage of 86.5%, for a non-conference record of 1-2-2, including a shutout of Long Island University.
With A-10 play having just begun, Giovanna Coghetto is excited for the challenge that it will bring to improve upon their 1-7-2 conference record from last season.
“We know every game will be tough, so getting small details right will make a difference,” said Coghetto. “We are ready and can’t wait for it.”
The Bonnies started A-10 play on September 21 with a 1-0 loss to Virginia Commonwealth University. The lone goal was scored by junior forward Jestyn Lins.
St. Bonaventure takes on Rhode Island on October 2 at home. The match will start at 1:00pm and will air live on ESPN+.
