ALFRED, N.Y. - Host Alfred State scored the go-ahead goal with just 12 minutes left in regulation to send the Saint Vincent women's soccer team to a 2-1 defeat in its 2021 season-opener.

Saint Vincent sophomore Tanisha Grewal scored the Bearcats' first goal of the season just six minutes into play, but despite out-shooting the Pioneers 13-12 and owning an 8-6 margin in corner kicks, the Bearcats were unable to add onto the early lead.

After the Pioneers' Megan Fisher answered Grewal's strike with the equalizer in the 10th minute, Saint Vincent owned possession for the majority of the final 35 minutes of the frame, ending the opening stanza with a 10-6 advantage in shots and three corner kicks. However, the Bearcats could not capitalize and the game was tied heading into the intermission.

Much of the second half proved to be an evenly played defensive battle, but the Pioneers pulled ahead on Fisher's second goal of the game, scored in the 78th minute, to make it 2-1. The Bearcats were unable to capitalize on any scoring chances over the final 11 minutes and the Pioneers held on for the win.

Grewal led both sides with five shots, while teammate Lauren May had three attempts. Three goalkeepers saw action for the Bearcats, with Kendall Castor playing the first 45 minutes and Madison Arnold and Maggie Perkins, who was saddled with the loss, splitting the second stanza.

The Bearcats will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 7, when they welcome crosstown rival Pitt-Greensburg to the UPMC Field turf for a 4 p.m. bout.