The Misericordia women's soccer team lost a tough 2-1 decision in their 2009 conference opener to Manhattanville despite controlling large portions of the second half.

The Cougars out-shot their opponents 18-9 (9-2 in the second half) but were unable to finish any one of their numerous second-half chances.

Down 2-1 at halftime, junior Kim Suchoski shot just wide on a breakaway early in the second period before freshman Sam Helmstetter fired a shot high less than ten minutes later.

Laura Roney put a dangerous cross into the six-yard box with 17 minutes to play, but it went out of reach of a sliding Suchoski. Then Jenica Keister just missed on a direct free kick before Suchoski put another chance just wide after a nice through ball from Helmstetter.

The Valiants had taken a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute, finishing a goal-mouth scramble after their initial shot had been cleared off the line.

The Cougars were constantly under pressure from the dangerous corner kicks served up by Manhattanville's center back. The Valiants took eight corners in the first half, one of which went directly on goal and was punched off the crossbar by MU goalkeeper Morgan Myers.

Manhattanville doubled their lead on a breakaway midway through the first half, but the Cougars responded late in the period.

With under four minutes to play in the first half, a Cougar corner kick was partially cleared to freshman Nicolette Hensel, whose composed finish to the bottom corner cut the Valiant lead in half. It was only the fifth goal given up this season by the Manhattanville defense.

The Cougars had to fight to keep the score at 2-1, with Kristen Gedon, Ashley McDonnell and Jen Brucker all making tough tackles in a goal-mouth scramble before Myers punched a dangerous free kick clear just before the halftime whistle.

With the loss, MU falls to 2-9, 0-1 on the season. Next up, the Cougars travel to Lycoming on Wednesday for a non-conference match-up.