ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College women's soccer team lost a tough contest Wednesday night, falling to Sage College, 3-1, in a non-conference matchup.

With temperatures in the 80s throughout the game, the Raptors not only had to battle the heat, but also the fitness of the Gators of Sage (3-0).

Despite the heat, neither side was sluggish to start the contest. The Raptors had a beautiful chance shut down in the fourth minute, as Val Thomson's breakaway shot attempt was barely saved by Sage's rushing goalie. 

Just a minute later, Sage was able to capitalize on its offensive chance, thanks to an unlucky break for the Bard defense. As a Bard defender attempted to clear out a ball near the Raptors' penalty area, it ricocheted off a Sage player and bounced right to the feet of Dominique Puglisi (Schenectady, NY). Puglisi took advantage and stroked one past Bard's rushing keeper into the bottom left corner to give Sage the lead. 

It didn't take long for the Raptors to respond however, as defender Hattie Wilder Karlstrom scored her second free kick goal in as many games. After the junior lined up about 25 yards out to the left side for the kick, she didn't bother to waste any time as Sage's defensive wall was slow to set up. 

Wilder Karlstrom quickly recognized the error of Sage and took advantage, unleashing a bending, dipping shot toward the top right corner. Sage's keeper was left helpless, as the ball flew into the goal to tie the contest as 1-1 in the 18th minute. 

It was a brilliant strike for the Raptors, as it not only made the contest level again, but it instantly re-energized the team. Over the rest of the opening half, both Sage and Bard had chances, but where unable to finish them. That stalemate continued into the second half, until Sage was finally able to breakthrough in the 69th minute.

Emily Davenport (Schenectady, NY) sent a cross in from the left side, where she found Ariannah Logan (Canajoharie, NY) waiting in front of goal. Logan used her height and position to rise above the Bard defenders to get her head on the cross, pushing it back across the goal face into the open net to give Sage a 2-1 advantage.

10 minutes later, the Gators sealed their victory with a third goal, courtesy of Angela Gonzalez (Hoosick Falls, NY).

On the night, Sage outshot Bard 13-11, while dominating the corner count, 8-2. Abigail Stanley finished with seven saves for the Raptors, while Natalie Tidings (Troy, NY) collected a save and the win for Sage.

Up next for Bard is a game against Penn State-Behrend at the Drew Tournament on September 8th. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and you can follow it right here.