NEWARK, Del. – The Miami University field hockey team opened the 2019 season with a 0-2 loss against No. 22 Albany on Saturday. Starting this season, games will be played in four 15-minute quarters.

"I think we started out very good in the first and second quarters," said senior midfielder Marie Görner. "We were setting the tone for the first half but couldn't finish with a goal. In the third quarter, we gave Albany control five minutes in which they dominated and they took advantage of it by scoring two goals. In the fourth quarter we put a lot of pressure on Albany, however, we still were not able to score goals or take advantage of our chances. That's definitely something we have to work on for the future."

The Great Danes earned the first penalty corner of the game in the fifth minute of play but Miami cleared the attempt without any damage. Albany took the first shot of the game in the 10^th minute but freshman goalkeeper Isabelle Perese registered her first collegiate save to keep the game scoreless.

Albany was awarded a green card  during the first quarter but there was no score after 15 minutes of play.

The RedHawks earned their first penalty corner chance in the 26^th minute of play but could not capitalize. Lexie Nugent took Miami's first shot as the first half came to a close. The game was scoreless at halftime.

The Great Danes broke the tie just four minutes into the second half with a goal on the deflection after Perese made the initial save on the penalty corner chance. Albany scored on another penalty corner just two minutes later to take a 2-0 lead.

Kylie Herb's shot on goal in the third quarter is turned aside as Miami trailed 0-2 after three quarters of play.

Taylor Curran and Gabby Luxardo both took shots on goal during the fourth quarter but both were saved.

Perese made two saves during the contest.

"Despite the scoreboard, the team found a lot of positive takeaways," said junior forward/midfielder Lexie Nugent. "We are looking forward to continue to improve as a team. We're anxious to get right back at it!"

Miami faces No. 16 Delaware on Monday at noon.