PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The nationally-ranked St. John Fisher College women's lacrosse team suffered its first defeat of the year on Wednesday as the Cardinals fell to No. 22 Cortland, 6-3, in a top 25 matchup at Red Dragon Stadium.  With the loss, Fisher, which is ranked ninth in the latest Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Association poll, fell to 5-1 on the year while Cortland climbed to 4-1 overall.

After feeling each other out over the first seven minutes of play, Fisher struck first after Brittany Halpin made the most of a free position chance for her 10th goal of the season.

The lead remained in the Cardinals' hands for 10 minutes until the Red Dragons notched the equalizer with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

With the game knotted up at 1-1 and time winding down, Fisher turned the ball over deep in its own end as Cortland pounced on the ground ball and buried a shot into the back of the cage for a 2-1 advantage.  The lead would be short-lived, however, as Fisher answered just 50 seconds later when Alyssa Sproule delivered a strike past the Red Dragons' keeper to even things at two goals aside.

As the half wore on, Cortland turned defense into offense after a turnover by the Cardinals led to a goal at the other end with the Red Dragons taking a 3-2 edge into the break.

The home team would extend its lead to two goals just two minutes into the second half, but Fisher remained within striking distance as Sydney DeGirolamo found Mackenzie Alexander in front of the crease for her eighth goal of the year to make it 4-3.

Facing a one-goal margin, Fisher looked to push the pace with 10 shots over the final 21 minutes, but the Red Dragons would close out the game with two unanswered goals to complete the upset.

Claudia Mocciaro was hit with her first loss of the year as the senior goalie moved to 5-1 overall.  She made four saves over 60 minutes of play.

Alexander was credited with a team-high four ground balls in the loss while DeGirolamo had eight draw controls.  Erin Mills finished with five caused turnovers to lead all players.

The Cardinals will jump back into Empire 8 play at 2 p.m. on Saturday when they host Russell Sage at Growney Stadium.