The Quinnipiac Bobcats field hockey team lost 3-2, in a non-conference matchup against the Providence Friars on Sunday afternoon.

The first half was closely contested by both sides, and had no shortage of action. Providence (3-11) had the first scoring opportunity about 10 minutes into the game. The Friars attack created a three-on-two advantage but couldn’t score after Quinnipiac (4-9) knocked a centering pass out of bounds. Later on, Quinnipiac earned a corner and had a great scoring chance, but the ball rang off the post and the two teams went to halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

The second half brought offense, and plenty of it. Providence struck first, with sophomore Abby Thornton scoring off of senior Emma Mackie’s feed. Quinnipiac responded quickly though, with sophomore Felicia Costanzo scoring off a pass from sophomore Michelle Federico, and the game was knotted at one.

Penalties would get the best of the Bobcats, however. Friars junior Adrienne Houle netted two goals following Bobcats penalties, and Providence took a 3-1 lead with just over five minutes remaining. The Bobcats did not go quietly though. Senior Savanna Reilly scored off a gorgeous centering pass from sophomore Dayna Barlow, and the Bobcats were within a goal at 3-2. A last ditch effort by the Bobcats came up short, and the Friars left Hamden with a hard fought win.

With the loss, the Bobcats drop to 4-9 on the year, but remain tied with Monmouth for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference lead at 1-0. Their next game is a road contest against MAAC opponent Sacred Heart. The two teams will square off in New Haven on Friday at 7 p.m.