BUCKHANNON, W.Va. - The Notre Dame College women's soccer team (7-2-1) lost its first Mountain East Conference game Tuesday against 10th-ranked West Virginia State (10-0-1) in a 1-0 battle. 

The Bobcats scored first and scored early with a goal in the ninth minute. While the Falcons tried to tie the game up, they were also worried about allowing another goal throughout the game. 

"I'm very happy with the effort and commitment of the players to fight their way back into the game," said head coach Mike Shiels. "We were concerned about giving away another goal, but responded well. Ultimately we were disappointed to not get a goal back in the second half."

NDC did play its way back into the game in the first half with four shots on goal in the first half. In the second half, the offense slowed a bit as the Falcons were only able to get one shot off. 

Freshman goalkeeper, Kyra McDowell, faced a season-high 13 shots and recorded a career-high six saves. McDowell returned to the starting lineup after starting the first eight games of the year, but not playing in the most recent game at Shepherd. 

Other lineup changes were made as well as Chloe Heaps and Brooke LeForce each made their first start of the season. Jordan Smith made her first appearance of the year while Na'pier Ramsey played a season-high 60 minutes. Coach Shiels was pleased with the way these and other players came into the lineup and contributed. 

"We're fighting injury issues, but had some different players come in and give us a chance on the road against a tough team," Shiels said. 

Notre Dame returns home Friday, October 6 to play Charleston at 3 p.m.