SHEPHERDSTOWN, W. Va. - Shenandoah University opened up its 2012 women's lacrosse season with an 8-7 loss to Division II Shepherd Saturday afternoon.

It is the second straight year that the Hornets (0-1) and Rams (2-0) have played a one-goal contest.

Last season, Shepherd was a 16-15 winner in Winchester.

The 2012 meeting was a much lower scoring affair as the two teams were tied just 2-2 at halftime.

Shenandoah then took leads of 3-2, 4-3, 6-4 and 7-5 before Shepherd scored the final three goals of the game to steal the victory.

Nicole Ruane had all three of those goals with the game winner coming on a free position shot with 1:34 remaining.

Sophomore Justina Ludwig led the Hornets in the losing effort with three goals with freshman Mary Kogler adding two.

Amy Rollins and Liz Bereit had the other two tallies for the visitors.

Sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Cross had 10 saves in the losing effort.

Shepherd outshot Shenandoah 28-18 and won 12 of 18 draw controls.

The two teams split 44 groundballs.

The Hornets open their 2012 home slate on Tuesday at 5 p.m. against Frostburg State.

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