The SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team suffered a 3-0 setback Friday at New Paltz in a State University of New York Athletic Conference match.

The Bears (9-5 overall, 1-4 SUNYAC) played a strong first half, but were unable to duplicate the performance in the second as the Hawks scored three times in an 11-minute span starting at the 65th minute.

"We were comfortable the whole game, but really made one mistake and it cost us dearly," Potsdam coach Tim Moody said. "The first goal usually dictates the rest of the game ... it was disappointing and frustrating."

Potsdam had a chance to score early in the game when sophomore Heather Johnson (Heuvelton, N.Y.) took a ball from junior Kathleen Frear (Scotia, N.Y.) and put it under the goalkeeper but just wide of the post.

Beyond that, the defense of New Paltz (6-6-1, 4-2) held the Potsdam offense in check. The Bears totaled four shots, including one on goal, in the contest.

"We weren't dangerous enough offensively and didn't test the keeper enough," Moody said. "As has been the case in a lot of games this season, we had our best chance to score early on and didn't get it. We had a few other opportunities but they didn't amount to much."

Junior goalkeeper Caitlin Titus (Jamesville, N.Y.) recorded seven saves. Senior forward Cortney Poirier (Moira, N.Y.), the Bears' leading scorer, was held to one shot on goal.

Potsdam returns to SUNYAC play tomorrow at Oneonta. Match time is slated for 3 p.m.