BLOOMSBURG, PA - The Mercyhurst Women's Soccer team lost in their season opener against Bloomsburg University 1-0. The Lakers fought hard for the entire game. However, a late goal by scored by Nicole Varano sealed fate of the game.
 
How it happened
The first couple minutes saw a lot of back-and-forth play from the two teams. The Laker defense was working hard to keep the ball away from the high scoring areas. Just ten minutes into the game Maddie Elbro made an amazing save as she jumped up to punch the ball away.
 
Both Mercyhurst and Bloomsburg had a couple of good opportunites to score in the first half but couldn't capitalize. With 24 minutes left in the first half, Bloomsburg had a great opportunity to take the lead during a corner kick. However, Taryn Baxter's heroic defense saved the ball from going in the goal.
 
The second half was full of back-and-forth action. The Lakers shots couldn't reach the goal. Bloomsburg's goalkeeper Riley Spingler had seven saves in second half alone. The Lakers did not hold off pressure. With six minutes left on the clock Bloomsburg scored. The Lakers hustled back to midfield to try and even the score but were unsuccessful.
 
By the Numbers
The Lakers took ten shots on goal, while Bloomsburg only shot four. The Huskies drew four corner kicks, and many of them turned into scoring situations. Mercyhurst only had two corners. Elbro made three saves in net in the season opener.
 
What's Next
The Lakers are set to open up PSAC West play against Edinboro in their first home game on Wednesday, August 31^st.