SUDBURY, Ont. - Thursday afternoon the Durham College women's soccer team fell 2-0 to the No. 10 ranked Fanshawe Falcons in their opening game of the 2017 belairdirect OCAA Women's Soccer Championship hosted by Cambrian College.

This was the first time the Lords have appeared at the championship since 2009, which they qualified for by shutting out the Sheridan Bruins 4-0 in their championship qualifying game.

With all but six student-athletes playing in their first year of collegiate soccer, the game was a learning experience and a positive opportunity, despite the loss.

"I thought we played a solid first half to start," said Durham head coach Alex Bianchi. "Fanshawe picked up the tempo in the second half and we weren't able to respond. They are a good team with a lot of provincial experience and to have the opportunity to play them will serve us well moving forward with the program. We have another tough game tomorrow and we're looking forward to it."

Although out of medal contention, the Lords now have an opportunity to finish as high as fifth in the province, starting with Friday morning's game against the St. Clair Saints.

The Lords (7-3-2) haven't faced the Saints (7-2-1) this season, but are expecting a similar game to their opening match against Fanshawe.

Kick off in Sudbury is 9 a.m.

Source: Durham College