BRYN MAWR, Pa. - The Bryn Mawr soccer team hosted McDaniel College on Applebee Field earlier Saturday afternoon for their first conference tilt of the season. The Owls were faced with the tough task of trying to shut down a Green Terror offense that had outscored its opponents 37-4 coming into today's contest. Bryn Mawr's defense proved more than ready for the challenge, shutting out McDaniel for the entire first half. However, the visitors managed to sneak in a garbage goal just moments into the second half, and Bryn Mawr was unable to get anything going offensively in a tough 2-0 loss.

McDaniel (9-0, 2-0 CC) began their attack early, with the Owls defense being forced to block two shots inside the first five minutes. Then, it was goalkeeper Aviva Kosansky's task to turn away two more shots over the next five with two great saves. Bryn Mawr (2-6, 0-1 CC) continued to play tremendous defense throughout the first half. Seniors Nina Bertolami and Hannah Broderick made anchored the back line in front of Kosansky. Meanwhile, junior Anna Schoonover and sophomore Kara Breeden did a great job of sticking tight to the McDaniel wingers and not allowing any deep runs to get past them. Although the Green Terror continued to maintain possession throughout most of the half, Bryn Mawr's solid midfield and defensive play frustrated the visitors to no end. When the horn finally sounded for halftime, the game remained scoreless.

Unfortunately, that would quickly change just moments into the second half. McDaniel possessed the ball along the right sideline, and one of their wing players sent a cross into the box looking for Maggie Quinn. The Bryn Mawr defense did their best to shield the attack off, and Kosansky came off her line to try and collect the cross. However, somehow the ball, Kosansky, and Quinn all ended up on the ground, and Quinn was left closest to the ball. She was able to direct a pass over to teammate Christina Wroblewski on the left side of the box, who then calmly slotted the ball into the now-empty net to put the visitors on top 1-0.

Even after that tough goal right out of the gate in the half, Bryn Mawr still continued to play great defense and search for a goal on the counter attack. At one point, the Owls were able to work the ball into the McDaniel side and get a free kick. The cross came in dangerously to the top center of the penalty box, but the Green Terror were finally able to clear the ball away and shut down the attack.

Ten minutes after their first goal, the visitors would strike again and give themselves a bit of insurance. This time, Quinn was on the scoring end as she took a pass from Kirsten Gibson after her great run through the left side and scored past Kosansky to make it 2-0. That scoreline would stand up the rest of the way as McDaniel would head home victorious on the day.

The two goals allowed is the fewest given up to McDaniel all season, proof that the Owls defense played a solid game all-around. Kosansky had a big day, making 11 saves on the afternoon. That total is the most so far this season in a single game for the senior goalkeeper.

Bryn Mawr will look to continue that impressive play when they return to Applebee Field for their next matchup. The Owls will host Ursinus next Wednesday for another crack at a Centennial Conference win. The Bears will pose a tough challenge themselves, as the team currently sits at 6-1 on the season and undefeated in conference play. Game time on Wednesday is slated for 4:00 PM.