The Misericordia University field hockey team dropped its season opener to Gwynedd Mercy, 2-1,  Friday at McGeehan Field.

Anna Effinger scored her first collegiate goal with an assist from first-year classmate Elizabeth Fry.

The Griffins got the scoring started with two unanswered goals in the first half. Senior Maggie Walsh knocked in the first on an assist from fellow senior Shannon Carroll with 26:32 remaining in the first half.

Four minutes later, first-year attacker Lauren Jani tallied her first career collegian goal courtesy of an assist from Julia McKenzie.

With 7:10 remaining in the first half, the Cougars got one back with a goal from Anna Effinger. The first-year defender knocked in her first collegiate goal off a rebounded shot from Elizabeth Fry following a corner opportunity.

Fry's initial shot caromed off the inside of the right post and Effinger was there to knock it home.

Both teams were held scoreless in the second half.

Griffins' goal keeper Abi Kennedy fended off several Cougar scoring opportunities with three second half saves.

Katelyn Campbell finished with five saves for Misericordia.

The Cougars fall to 0-1 on the season while the Griffins improve to 1-0.

Misericordia will host Salisbury University tomorrow at 2:00 on McGeehan Field.