ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Fredonia struck early on Tuesday night but couldn't overcome Nazareth's first‑half surge, falling 3–1 in the season opener at Golden Flyer Stadium. After Nazareth scored in the third minute, the Blue Devils answered quickly. Gabby Irwin buried a finish in the 5th minute off a setup from Anna Ratchuk, pulling Fredonia level and settling the match after a frantic start.
Nazareth regained the lead less than a minute later and added a third goal in the 28th minute. Fredonia continued to generate chances, including first‑half looks from Abby Herbst, Ratchuk, and Emma Stahl, while goalkeeper Alyssa Hatch kept the Blue Devils within reach with multiple early saves.
Fredonia tightened defensively in the second half, holding Nazareth scoreless over the final 62 minutes. The Blue Devils produced four shots after the break, highlighted by Bronwyn Madden's low attempt in the 63rd minute that forced a save. Herbst added another dangerous chance in the 74th minute, but Fredonia couldn't cut into the margin.
Irwin finished with the Blue Devils' lone goal, Ratchuk added an assist and two shots, and Herbst recorded two shots on target. Hatch totaled four saves.
