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EASTON, Pa. ÃÆ'Æ’¢ÃÆ'¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡¬ÃÆ'¢Ã¢â€š¬Ã…â€Å" In arguably its most complete performance for 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon at Oaks Stadium, the Lafayette women's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of defending Patriot League champion Bucknell, 1-0.

The only goal of the game came with just 45 seconds remaining in regulation as a corner led to the game-winner. The original service was cleared out to the top of the box, but a shot back in toward goal by Meghan Holtz was deflected by Carly Baggott, giving senior goalkeeper Kelly O'Brien no chance to get in front of it, as it went into the right side, pushing the Leopards to defeat.

Falling by 4-0 and 2-0 scores to the Bison a year ago, Lafayette played evenly with the defending champs throughout the contest, with both teams controlling the run of play at different points throughout. The Bison led in shots by a small margin, 14-10, but forced 11 corners, with the final eventually leading to the game-winner.

Freshman Clare Mengel orchestrated Lafayette's best scoring chance of the day midway through the second half. Finding space down the middle of the field on a counter-attack, Mengel fired a strike from about 25 yards out that looked to be headed for the top right corner. Instead, Bucknell keeper Dani Kauffman got a fingertip on it, pushing it up over the crossbar and keeping the Leopards off the board.

The defense was strong throughout the day as the unit of Gabrielle Lassinger, Lauren Johnson, Meaghan McGurl and Annika Sheehan stifled Bison attacks for 90 minutes. Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year Kendall Ham was able to get five shots off, but just two of them hit the target as she was shut down for the majority of the game.

The game gives the Leopards confidence heading into the remainder of league play, knowing they can compete with the best from a year ago. Next up for the Maroon and White is a trip to Worcester, Mass. on Saturday to take on Holy Cross at 3 p.m.