Patchogue, N.Y. — The Lady Golden Eagles (0-1) braved the frigid temperatures at Danzi Stadium on Saturday for their home opener against annual rivals FDU-Florham (1-0). Having been beaten by SJC for the past two years, a veteran Florham squad had something to prove. While the home team started out strong and led for most of the game, Florham came from behind to snatch the 11-9 win in the second half.

Junior captain Heather Ferchland led the convocation of Golden Eagles with four goals while on the other end of the field, SJC goalie Courtney Wickline (Medford, N.Y./ Bellport) kept her team in the game with nine saves.

Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles showed some excellent promise for the upcoming season. Right out of the gate they took control. With two goals from Ferchland (Selden, N.Y./ Centereach) and one each from Caitlynn Webber (Eastport, N.Y./ Eastport-South Manor) and Kacie Mitterando (Mastic Beach, N.Y./ William Floyd), SJC was up 4-0 before Florham could catch their breath.

When Florham finally warmed up, they began to push back, scoring three goals quickly. Senior captain and defenseman Nicole Lyman (West Babylon, N.Y./ West Babylon) answered immediately, running the length of the field and burying the ball in the back of the net. The Golden Eagles led 5-4 at the half.

Both teams came out at halftime ready to do battle with both the weather and each other. Senior attacker Graceann Fallon (Kings Park, N.Y./ Kings Park) found Ferchland in the eight with an expert pass; Ferchland converted the play into the first goal of the half. Despite the powerful play and some heroic defensive efforts by the home team, FDU found a chink in the Eagles' armor and took advantage. Building upon their own momentum, the visiting team ran up the score to 9-8, taking the lead for the first time with fourteen minutes left in the game.

Despite two clutch goals by Ela Igdeler (Islip, N.Y./ Islip) and one final tally from Ferchland, SJC couldn't overcome FDU's late push. By game's end, Fallon had dished off two assists while Jessica Cordano (Oakdale, N.Y./ Connetquot), Tricia Barrett (Holbrook, N.Y./ Sachem North) and Webber logged an assist each.

After battling Long Island's recent glacial climate for the past few weeks, the Golden Eagles will travel to Hilton Head, South Carolina next weekend for two more non-conference contests against Potsdam and Muhlenburg.