SCHENECTADY, NY – Despite scoring an early goal, the Union College women's soccer team suffered a 3-1 defeat to St. Lawrence in the opening game of Liberty League play on Saturday at College Park Field.
 
The Dutchwomen, who were playing without senior captain Katie Monahan, are now 3-2-1 (0-1 LL) on the season.
 
Junior midfielder Nicole Sturno scored her first goal of the season, heading in a cross from Emma Marlow-Benedick in the third minute to get Union up 1-0 early. Allie Supranowicz gathered a loose ball inside the top of the 18-yard box, before playing it back out to Marlow-Benedick, who then placed a cross to the far post for a perfect header by Sturno.
 
With a one-goal deficit, the Saints began to slowly work their way back into the contest. They ended up equalizing in the 14th minute after Katie Stames scored on a breakaway.
 
The Saints' Megan Gannon then added a second goal just minutes before the first half was about to end. Gannon found herself alone with Union keeper Kelsey Hartsoe, who was charging out to steal the ball away. Unfortunately, Gannon was able to dribble around Hartsoe for the unopposed goal.
 
St. Lawrence then added an insurance goal in the game's 74th minute off a rebound goal by Hannah Merriam.
 
In all, Hartsoe made 10 saves in the contest, including six in the second half. On the other end of the field, Samantha Allen made three saves for St. Lawrence.
 
Union College returns to the confines of College Park Field for a midweek contest against Westfield State on Wednesday, Sept. 27.