ITHACA, N.Y. — Junior Naomi Jaffe scored a sharp-angle goal from long distance with 41 seconds left in the first half and senior Chrissy Mayer made five saves for her first collegiate shutout in the Cornell women's soccer team's 1-0 win over Siena on Monday night at Berman Field. The victory gives Cornell just its third 2-0 start to a season in the last 14 years.

Jaffe's goal came from about 10 yards off the end line, but way out on the right flank beyond the width of the 18-yard box. With Siena's goalkeeper off her line, Jaffe sent a ball into a high arc that kissed off the far post and into the net. The outside defender is becoming somewhat of a specialist in such strikes — she had a similar goal last year at St. Bonaventure. Junior Nicole Long earned an assist on the play for her first collegiate point.
 
On the heels of Friday's victory over a different Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponent – Iona – Cornell (2-0) had the game's first quality chance against Siena (0-4). Freshman Emily St. John slipped a ball through a defender's legs along the left touch line before sending a long ball to senior Kennedy Yearby. She cut to the inside on a one-on-one and unleashed a right-footed shot from 20 yards that grazed off the top of the crossbar.
 
Siena threatened next with Carrie Krohn working free for a left-footed shot from 22 yards straight out, but Mayer made a diving stop to her right for her first save. Her next two came in the minutes leading up to Jaffe's strike.
 
The Saints made another strong push early in the second half, resulting in a pair of shots on frame from Darby D'Angelo. The second came after Julianna Kissane knifed down a long feed from the top of the box to send D'Angelo running free up the middle. But Mayer was quick off her line to force just a sliding toe-poke from D'Angelo, with the goalkeeper getting down quick enough the smother the opportunity. It turned out to be her last save of the night, with the Big Red clamping down for the final 40 minutes to withstand Siena's hunt for an equalizer.
 
Cornell hits the road for the first time in its next action, taking on Bucknell at 4 p.m. Friday. The Big Red then returns to Ithaca for a 1 p.m. Sunday matchup against St. Bonaventure at Berman Field.