WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The William and Mary women's soccer team fell to in-state foe VCU, 2-1, Thursday night from Martin-Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.  Freshman Nicole Baxter gave the Tribe an early, 1-0, first-half lead, but the Rams rallied to score the night's final two goals.  The Tribe falls to 6-3 in on the year, while VCU improves to 4-2-3.

The Green and Gold struck first with a score in the seventh minute as Baxter beat a Rams defender in a foot race and proceeded to punch home senior Cortlyn Bristol's through ball.  The goal was Baxter's second of the season, while the assist was Bristol's team-leading fifth of the year.  After the Rams were turned away on multiple occasions by W&M's backline and freshman keeper Caroline Casey, VCU finally got on the board when junior Courtney Conrad netted a goal in the 33rd minute.  For the half, the Tribe outshot the Rams, 10-5, and owned the edge in shots on goal, 4-3.

In second-half action, senior Mallory Schaffer generated a quality look in the 50th minute but was turned away by VCU senior keeper Kristin Carden.  In the 78th minute, sophomore Aly Shaughnessy's shot sailed just wide of frame as the College was on the verge of going ahead.   The Rams connected on the game-winner in the 80th minute, when Conrad netted her second goal of the night off a rebound.  For the match, the College outshot the Rams, 18-16, while VCU owned a slight edge in shots on goal, 8-6.

W&M returns to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 23, as it hosts James Madison in its CAA opener.  Sunday's contest against the Dukes is slated for a 2 p.m. kickoff and fans can follow the action online at TribeAthleics.com with live video and stats.