(Dover, Del.) – Sunday afternoon, the Delaware State women’s soccer team (0-2) fought all the way to the end, but it was not enough to pull out the victory as the Bryant Bulldogs (1-3) came away with a 2-0 win.

Earlier in the first period, DSU had a chance to strike first when midfielder Gabi Pinto made a pass to a streakingTaylor Addison in Bryant territory.  With two defenders trailing, Addison was able to get a shot off, but goalkeeperLauren Viverito (1-0) was there for the save.

However, on the ensuing possession, Bryant found themselves in a similar position with midfielder Ari Goldberg (2) making a pass to midfielder Suzanne Sanders (1). Zooming past DSU’s defense, Sanders fired a shot past goalkeeper Katelyn Koslosky (0-2) to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

As the half progressed, the Bulldogs tallied 13 shots compared to DSU’s two, whereas Koslosky collected five saves to keep Bryant at bay.

Coming out of the locker room after intermission, Delaware State maintained its intensity against the Bulldogs in an effort to pick up its first win of the season.  During the 77th minute, same score, DSU’s best chance to tie the game occurred when midfielder Julia Bossert found an opening in Bryant’s defense. Nevertheless, Bossert’s shot attempt was saved by Viverito to keep it a 1-0 contest.

With time dwindling down, Sanders (2) connected for her second goal of the match when she controlled a loose ball near the Hornets goalie box and was able to put it past Koslosky during the 81st minute.

Now facing a 2-0 deficit, Delaware State maintained its strong efforts, yet it was not enough as the Bulldogs held on for their first win of the season.

At game’s end, Bryant outshot the Hornets, 18-3, while Koslosky finished the match with six saves.  As for her counterpart, Viverito tallied two stops.

Coming up, the Hornets will hit the road for a season-long five-game road swing, beginning next weekend with two matches in Virginia against the Radford Highlanders on Friday (7 p.m.) and the VMI Keydets on Sunday (1 p.m.).