Garden City, N.Y. – The Adelphi University field hockey team dropped a close matchup to Bentley University, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon.

It marks the Panthers' first loss of the season in conference play.

The Falcons struck first, scoring in the final minute of the opening quarter. Despite outshooting the visitors 6-1, the Panthers were unable to capitalize on their chances. Daniella Lister challenged the Bentley goalkeeper, while Lana Mignon De Wet and Kelly Johnson also fired off shots, but all were blocked by the Falcon defense. Adelphi also generated more penalty corners in the period but couldn't convert.

The second quarter featured more back-and-forth action. The home team again held the edge in shots (3-1), but it was Bentley who found the back of the net, extending their lead to 2-0. Just before halftime, the Panthers earned another penalty corner, and De Wet had a quality look to cut into the lead, but a defensive save preserved the Falcons' advantage heading into the break.

Coming out of halftime, the Panthers' offense came alive. Jody Van Aardt scored her second career goal following a penalty corner. Jena Geels delivered the corner, and Van Aardt finished with a powerful forehand strike to cut the deficit to one. The goal energized Adelphi's attack, with Caroline Beakes and Izzy Leclair both putting shots on target, though neither could beat the Bentley goalkeeper.

In the final quarter, the Panthers continued to press. Kelly Johnson, Sydney Rossacci, and Van Aardt all had shots saved, as Adelphi outshot Bentley 7-0 in the frame. Despite the dominant offensive pressure, the Brown and Gold were unable to find the equalizer before time expired.

Head Coach Jess Mulhern and the Panthers will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they host Assumption University at Motamed Field in Garden City, N.Y. Game time is set for 4 p.m.