Box Score (HTML)
 
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The Slippery Rock University women's soccer team struck early, but couldn't overcome a pair of goals midway through the first half in a 2-1 loss at Notre Dame College Thursday evening.
 
Senior midfielder Caitlin Binder led the way for Slippery Rock (0-1) in the season opener with one goal and three shots. The goal was the sixth of her career.
 
Fellow senior midfielder Dara Demich tallied a pair of shots on goal as well. Junior defender Ariana Daukss rounded out The Rock's top performers with one shot on goal. Freshmen goalkeeper Charlotte Elrod played all 90 minutes and made one save in her collegiate debut.
 
Slippery Rock jumped out to the early advantage when Binder beat Notre Dame (1-0) goalie Louisa Rygh just six minutes into the contest. However, Slippery Rock was unable to maintain its lead as the Falcons, which are the reigning Mountain East Conference champions, posted a pair of goals midway through the opening period.
 
Sarah Grossman tied the game at 18:37 and Sabrina Mottershead converted what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the 37th minute to give NDC a 2-1 lead that it would never relinquish.

SRU managed three shots in the second half, but attempts by senior midfielder Allison Harbart and Binder sailed wide while a shot by Demich with 20 minutes left to play was stopped by Rygh as Notre Dame fended off The Rock's comeback bid.
 
Slippery Rock held a 9-7 advantage over the Falcons and a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.
 
The game was delayed in the second half due to lightning in the area.
 
SRU will look to bounce back from the setback with a victory against Daemen College Saturday. The non-conference contest is set for a 1 p.m. start.