WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Manhattanville College women's soccer team was unable to handle the offensive attack of the University of Saint Joseph during a 4-0 loss Friday afternoon in non-conference action.

The Valiants started the game with an opportunity in the 7th minute when senior Christie Freer (Southington, Conn./Southington) found space and fired the game's first shot but was turned away by Blue Jay keeper Melissa Dodge. Manhattanville (0-2-0) appeared to have found their way through the defense again in the 19th minute, but was whistled for offsides.

Saint Joseph (1-0-0) struck first in the 39th minute, when Jaclyn Steeves took a pass from Emily Burke and found the back of the net to give Saint Joseph a 1-0 lead. Burke sparked the Blue Jay offense again just before the end of the half when she found Morgan Skoly for another USJ goal. Manhattanville registered five shots on goal on the afternoon but was unable to find the back of the net.

Saint Joseph tacked on two more goals in the second half to give them the win in their first matchup of the year. Senior Dolores Diemicke (North Massapequa, N.Y./Plainedge) made six saves on the day to keep Manhattanville close, but the Valiants were unable to overcome the Blue Jay offense in suffering their second loss of the season.

The Valiants return home on Friday, September 11 when they play host to Purchase College in the Battle for Anderson Hill Road. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at GoValiants.com Field.