ST DAVID'S, Pa. -  The Albright Field Hockey team held an early lead in their season opening contest against Eastern University, but could not hold overcome three goals by the Eagles in the second half to fall 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

This marked the third straight meeting between the Lions and the Eagles dating back to 2015 as Eastern has now won all three of the contests. Both teams were selected to finish fourth in their respective MAC Conferences.

The Lions controlled play early in the first half against the Eagles as they outshot them 6-1 in the first 30 minutes. Albright nearly scored in the 24^th minute after a penalty stroke was awarded to Amanda Long but her shot went wide left. However, Long would then get the Lions on the board first with a goal in the 34^th minute off an assist from sophomore Kaley Donmoyer.

The second half would be a different story for the Lions as the Eagles tallied two goals within two minutes of each other just six minutes into the second half. Eastern would then add an insurance goal in the 52^nd minute off a rebound. Albright had a chance to cut into the Eastern lead in the 65^th minute when Donmoyer was awarded a penalty stroke but her shot was saved by Eagle goaltender Nicole Berger. The Lions then had a couple good chances in the final 10 minutes but could not come away with anything in the second half.

Albright held a 16-11 shot advantage over the Eagles after outshooting them 7-2 in the first half and a sizable 13-5 advantage in penalty corners. The Lions had a pair of goalkeepers make an appearance in the game with junior Aileen Taylor playing just over 53 minutes in net and allowed no goals, while making three saves. Freshman Brynne Schoppe played just over 16 minutes in her collegiate debut and tallied one saves with three goals allowed.  Berger played all 70 minutes for the Eagles and made 11 saves in the win.

The Lions will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 10, when they will host Lynchburg in the 2017 home opener at 1 p.m.