BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The Bridgewater College field hockey team played well against a tough Mary Washington opponent, but couldn't find the back of the cage in a 1-0 home loss.

The Eagles' defense played a strong first half but the visitors broke through less than two minutes before the break. Izzy Scholz chipped a shot over Emily Witzke (12 saves) and Bella Urcia smacked it in on the goalline to make it 1-0 Mary Washington at halftime.

Georgia Howard nearly tied it with under 10 minutes remaining, aiming for the near upper corner from the left side of the area, but UMW goalie Jessica Cavolt made a good blocker save.

The Eagles had a penalty corner with no time remaining in the game, but a shot into the area was blocked and no second corner was awarded.

Karinne Moyer and Kelsey Hicks combined to stop a dangerous 3-on-2 rush two minutes into the contest. Two minutes later, Laura Gretz dove to breakup Scholz's breakaway- both defensive plays were whistled for fouls, but prevented clear scoring opportunities.

The strong early defensive performance continued as, after two saves from Witzke, freshman defender Claire Ashley broke up another near-breakaway.

Bridgewater recorded their first shot 15 minutes in as Tessa Tierson was stuffed from close range by Cavolt. Later in the half, a great through pass from Elise Lloyd to Howard was also saved by Cavolt from point-blank range.

Witzke made two saves on a penalty corner five minutes before halftime, denying both Tori Hughes and Emma Claire Stewart.

Bridgewater survived a green card midway through the second half to keep it a one-goal game. Witzke made three straight saves, two on Scholz and the third on Hughes.

The Eagles (0-2) will be home again on Saturday at noon against St. Mary's.