Sydney LeClair had a second-half goal, but St. Lawrence University field hockey team dropped their Friday afternoon conference game at Ithaca, falling in a tight contest against Ithaca 2-1.

The loss brings the Saints' record to 3-9, as they still seek their first conference win entering their final two games of the regular season next week. Ithaca, a strong opponent, entered the game coming off a win over ranked opponent Rochester and has a 10-4 overall record.

"I thought today was a good effort from the team," said Saints head coach Fran Grembowicz. "The second half was especially well-played. We made great connections between our defense and attackers. Looking forward to building on this as we continue through our conference season."

Ithaca had the first two goals of the game in the opening half, and entered halftime in a 2-0 lead. Brooke Snider and Audrey McMahon had the goals, with Payton Yahner drawing assists on both Bombers tallies. McMahon's was a buzzer beater at the end of the second quarter.

St. Lawrence came out in the second half with a goal seven minutes in, as LeClair finished a transition play off a pass from Maddy Shaw, halving the Ithaca lead. St. Lawrence had some late pressure but were unable to come up with the game-tying marker.

The Saints return home Sunday for the second half of their weekend swing, taking on Union at Hall-Leet Stadium at 1 p.m.