LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Binghamton women's soccer (0-1) brought the energy and attacking mentality to its season opener Thursday at Siena but the host Saints (1-0) scored twice on 10 shots and blanked the Bearcats 2-0 at Hickey Field. 

The Bearcats took over possession just seconds after the reigning MAAC champions kicked off to start the 2021 season and BU had the advantage in time of possession and quality chances throughout. The finishing touch didn't come amid a steady drizzle, however, and Siena used goals in the 22nd and 72nd minutes to account for the margin.

"Today was a tough loss against an experienced and organized team," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "We accomplished a number of things within our initial game plan and our team also made a couple adjustments for the second half, which were positive. It was unfortunate we didn't walk away with more from the game but credit Siena and their ability to make us pay on a couple details we need to be better on. Our group will learn from this and be better for it. Now we need to get a good recovery in before battle another quality opponent in Fordham on Sunday." 

Just 3:42 into the contest, BU pressed forward and was rewarded with the first of eight corner kicks on the afternoon. In the 10th minute, freshman forward Peyton Gilmore created a scoring chance after some good 1-on-1 moves on the left. Midway through the first half, Siena struck after taking possession on an errant throw-in on the left. Katrina Kurtz quickly launched a surprising 40-yard shot to the top left corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. 

Binghamton had several good chances to equalize in the half. Freshman forward Hannah Mimas registered three shots in her 20 minutes off the bench and just missed on a far post opportunity. Junior forward Maya Anand also had a quality chance with 50 seconds left in the half but her 12-yard strike was saved. 

In the second half, BU really stepped up its pressure and outshot Siena 8-4 with five corner kicks. In the 65th minute, a header by Grace Vittoria off a Nicole Scudero free kick was saved by Saints keeper Brooke Boermeester, who made eight saves for the shutout. 

Siena got an insurance goal in the 72nd minute when a free kick from the right resulted in a doorstep header in traffic. 

The Bearcats host Atlantic 10 member Fordham at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Sports Complex. It will be the first meeting between the two programs.