NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's soccer team (4-5-1; 0-1-0 MAAC) couldn't hold onto a second half lead, dropping a 2-1 decision to the visiting Loyola Greyhounds (5-4-2; 1-0-0 MAAC) in front of 198 fans at a very windy Niagara Field on Friday night.

The Purple Eagles scored the game's first goal just seven minutes into the second half, when senior Brittany Benthin (Medina, N.Y.) found a loose ball in the box to stuff past Loyola netminder Brittany Henderson for the 1-0 lead. Niagara was unable to hold the lead as the Greyhounds scored twice in a 5:24 span to take the lead for good.

"We played well I thought for 80 minutes of the game," head coach Peter Veltri said. "Unfortunately, during the other 10 minutes, we weren't as sharp as we needed to be and allowed two goals. This was one of our better games that we have played this year, we just need to finish strong and play the full 90 minutes."

The first half was a back and forth affair with both teams having their shot at denting the scoreboard. Niagara's best opportunity came with five minutes left in the frame, when Benthin headed a ball from the middle of the box, that nearly beat Henderson. The two teams were scoreless at the half, with shots on goal in Niagara's favor, 3-1.

The Purple Eagles will look for their first MAAC win on Sunday, when they play host to the Rider Broncs at noon. The Rider game will be broadcast via tape-delay on Lockport Community Television that night and throughout next week.