BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville fell to St. Thomas Aquinas College 2-1 on Saturday at Dobson Field. The home team took an early lead with a goal in the first half, but STAC equalized before halftime and secured the win with a goal in the second half. D'Youville managed 13 shots with seven on target, while their goalkeeper recorded four saves in the contest.

The first half started with D'Youville maintaining early pressure, culminating in Danica Brill (Gores Landing, ontario / Trinity College) finding the net in the 19th minute to give the home team a 1-0 lead. D'Youville's defense, anchored by Alegra Black (Toronot, ontario / Rabun Gap), managed to hold off several attempts from the Spartans, including a key save against the Spartans. However, STAC leveled the score with a goal in the 28th minute.

Despite several offensive efforts by D'Youville, including a saved shot from Eleonora Cecchini (San Marino, Fiorentino, Italy Liceo delle Scienze Umane), the score remained tied. The first half concluded with both teams locked at 1-1, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

The second half began with D'Youville taking advantage of a red card issued to the Spartans, allowing them to apply pressure early. Laoise O'Haodha's (Limerick, Ireland Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh) attempt was saved in the 49th minute, and Cecchini's follow-up missed the mark. Despite these efforts, the Spartans capitalized on their opportunities,  scoring in the 88th minute to extend their lead to 2-1.

D'Youville continued to push forward, with Makaylah Higgins' (Warsaw, N.Y. / Warsaw) shot being stopped by the opposing goalkeeper shortly after the visitor's goal. As the half concluded, D'Youville remained in pursuit of an equalizer, but the scoreline held, resulting in a 2-1 defeat at the end of regulation.

Black recorded four saves in 90 minutes, facing 11 shots in the match. Cecchini led the team with four shots, one of which was on goal. Brill scored the team's only goal, finishing with two shots, one of which found the back of the net. Manta Socada (Helsinki, Finland / Deutsche Schule Helsinki) contributed with one shot on goal during the game.

D'Youville holds a record of 2-8-2 overall and 1-3-0 in conference play. STAC stands at 1-8-3 overall and 1-3-1 in conference action.

Looking ahead, D'Youville will face off against Daemen University on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The match will take place in Buffalo, N.Y., with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. ET.