BRADFORD, PA - The Lady Barons worked hard to recover their footing in the second half of their first conference game of the season but eventually fell in a tough 2-0 loss to the University of Pitt-Bradford.

After dominant shooting stats in their previous game against Washington and Jefferson, FUS came to the field prepared to finish scoring opportunities. Both offense and defense struggled, however, against the Lady Panthers' larger players and the Lady Barons had to rethink their strategy.

"We struggled to connect passes.  Our attack was not as good as it has been," head Coach Clare McBane said. "They have a very strong defense and we struggled to get past them size-wise."  

While the offense tried to push through the Lady Panther's defensive line, Pitt-Bradford relied on their two key forwards and AMCC Offensive Player of the Year award winners, Melissa Smith and Maggie Boehler to score two goals before the half.

"U Pitt-Bradford has two very fast forwards and they took advantage of the times when our defense broke down," McBane said.  "Both goals were quick 1-2s that just broke down the defense." 

Although halftime gave FUS a chance to step up their game, the renewed effort was too little, too late. 

Junior defender Sarah Pettinger and senior midfielder Julia Cocozza worked to provide offensive chances for the Lady Barons with three shots apiece, but were unable to make good on the opportunities.

"Defense also worked harder and we started to connect passes a little better, but we still didn't play to our best," McBane said. "It was a tough game on the road and we're looking to fix it on Tuesday." 

On Tuesday, September 30, the Lady Barons will play their second conference game of the season on their home field against Mt. Aloysius College.