BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The Caldwell University women's lacrosse team started the 2015 season with a 15-7 defeat to the University of Bridgeport Thursday afternoon at Knights Field. The Cougars were 0-12 in their inaugural season last year, while the Knights improve to 2-0 this season.

Caldwell got things started with a goal by freshman midfielder Mariah Wynn (Clearwater, FL/Palm Harbor) five minutes into the game for a 1-0 lead. But Bridgeport answered with seven straight goals to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Freshman attack Pamela Schenck (East Moriches, NY/Center Moriches) ended the run with a goal with 15 minutes left in the half. Freshman midfielder Kylee Shoop (Triangle, VA/Forest Park) also tallied her first collegiate goal in the first half, as the Knights took a 10-3 lead at halftime.

The second half was much more competitive, with Bridgeport outscoring the Cougars, 5-4. Sophomore midfielder Courtney Donlon (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) scored three goals in the second half, while freshman midfielder Emily Fey (Center Moriches, NY/Center Moriches) found the net with three minutes to play. For Bridgeport, Gabrielle Valela led the way with five goals and two assists.

Sophomore goalie Melissa Garris (Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge) registered seven saves in goal for Caldwell, while Megan Carney had three saves for the Knights.

The Cougars will play a non-conference game against Post University on Friday, Mar. 13. The game, which was originally scheduled to be played at Centennial Field, Caldwell's home field, will be played at Post in Waterbury, Conn., beginning at 3:00 p.m.