ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College women's lacrosse team was defeated by Western Connecticut State University, 15-13, in a non-conference matchup Thursday. 

With the win, the Colonials of Western Connecticut improved to 2-0. Meanwhile, the Raptors dropped to 1-1.

To start the game, it was Bard who jumped out to the early lead. Dylan McDonald got the hosts on the board just 16 seconds into the contest, while Casey Witte doubled the advantage just a minute later. Nicole Ellin added an another goal just a few minutes later, pushing the advantage to 3-0. 

After the Colonials cut into that deficit with a pair of goals, Bard answered right back with pair of strikes, courtesy of Melissa Rosenthal and Caleigh DeCaprio, to lead 5-2 with 18:30 left in the opening half.

From there, Western Connecticut started to change how it played the game. Suddenly, the easy shots and chances on goal that Bard had been getting, were being shutdown by the guests. Meanwhile, the Colonials' offense started to pick it up as well, outscoring the Raptors, 5-1, over the next ten minutes to grab the lead, 7-6.

Over the rest of the opening half, the two squads traded one more goal each, as they entered the break, 8-7.

In the second half, the Raptors started fast, as Witte tied things up on a feed from DeCaprio, just 45 seconds in. After a goal from Western Connecticut pushed the guests back in front, a pair of goals gave Bard its first lead since 10:33 remained in the first. The strikes came from McDonald and Rosenthal, as Bard led 10-9 with 24:55 left.

But just like in the opening half, the Colonials had the perfect answer. Over the next four minutes, Western Connecticut scored twice, while holding Bard's offense in check.

The Raptors were able to breakout on a goal from McDonald, tying the contest at 11-11, before Brooke Baldelli (New Fairfield, CT) put the guests back in the lead with a man-up goal with 16:43 remaining. 

However, a strike from Witte just 41 seconds later, evened the game once again as the two teams battled. Not only were the teams grinding and fighting on the field, but they were also dealing with frigid temperatures throughout. 

With the physicality of the game and the cold taking a major toll on the teams, scoring came to halt midway through the final half, as the score remained 12-12.

It wasn't until 8:46 remained in the game that the deadlock was broken. From there, the Colonials produced three goals over the next three minutes to create just enough breathing room, as they outlasted Bard, 15-13. 

Overall, Bard was better in draw controls, turnovers and clear attempts on the day. However, Western Connecticut was able to make the most of its shot attempts and produced 16 saves in goal to slow the Raptors' offense just enough for the win. 

Individually, McDonald led Bard with four goals. Witte added three, while DeCaprio finished with two goals and two assists. Rosenthal collected a pair of goals and an assist in the effort. 

For Western Connecticut, Baldelli powered the way with seven goals, while Lauren Bradshaw (Bethel, CT) collected two goals and four assists.

Up next for Bard is another non-conference home game, as the Raptors host Southern Vermont College on March 9th. That game is set for 3 p.m. and you can follow it here.