SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The Brandeis women's soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of host Springfield College today in the Judges' first game of the season as a nationally-ranked squad. The 18th-ranked Judges fall to 2-1 on the season, while the Pride improve to 3-1.

Springfield controlled the first half, outshooting Brandeis, 7-1. The only goal came in the 26th minute, when the Pride's Katie Mantie scored in the 26th minute on an assist from her co-captain Jackie Moscardelli, lifting the ball over Brandeis junior goalie Francine Kofinas (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) and into the net. Kofinas would keep the Judges in the contest with three first-half saves.

Brandeis had the advantage in the second half, owning a 10-5 edge in shots, including a pair on goal by sophomores Hilary Andrews (New Bedford, Mass./Dartmouth) and Mary Shimko (Bay Village, Ohio/Lake Ridge Acad.) in the early going. It was the hosts who added to the lead in the 59th minute, when Moscardelli headed in a cross by Jenelle Jahoda to bring the score to 2-0. Brandeis rookie Sapir Edalati (Great Neck, N.Y./Great Neck South) had three shots in the final 21 minutes, including a fine chance in the 87th minute that was stopped by SC's Erin Greenstein, who finished with five second-half saves.