PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—SUNY Plattsburgh (5-4, 1-0 SUNYAC) took control of a scoreless contest with a late first half goal en route to a 3-0 victory over the SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (2-6, 0-1) on Saturday afternoon. Bears freshman Jaime Durant was strong in goal with 11 saves.

Potsdam played the Cardinals even for much of the first half. Senior forward Heather Johnson nearly put the Bears

out in front just eight minutes into the contest, but the attempt was smothered by Plattsburgh goalie Monica D'Ippolito. The Cardinals picked up

momentum over the final 20 minutes of the half, firing four shots on Durant. The freshman keeper stopped the first three, but Macee Maddock

launched a long shot over Durant's head for a 1-0 lead with just 1:56 left in the half.

The Bears struggled to contain Plattsburgh's offense in the second half. Marcelle Schepisi made it 2-0 just five minutes into the final period,

driving home a rebound. The Cardinals kept the pressure on for the remainder of the contest and Taylor Florio capped the scoring at 75:01,

scoring on a corner kick.

D'Ippolito earned the win with two saves in the first 78 minutes and Danielle Schmitt was untested over the final 12.

“This was the best start we've had all season,” said Bears Head Coach Mark Misiak. “We came out with intensity and created some chances.

Unfortunately we allowed a goal late in the first half and it turned out to be a backbreaker. It was a fantastic effort overall, but we're still

allowing goals to demoralize us. We have to respond better after giving up a goal.”

Potsdam returns home to face SUNYAC foes Oswego and Cortland on Sept. 28-29. The Bears host the Lakers at 4 p.m. on Friday and the Red Dragons at 1 p.m. on Saturday.