DANVILLE, Ky. -- Allegheny officially opened up its 2021 field hockey campaign at No. 17 Centre (Ky.), dropping a 2-1 decision to the host Colonels.

With the Gators trailing, 2-0, in the fourth quarter, sophomore Maya Francisco (Toledo, Ohio/Maumee Valley Country Day School) tallied her first career goal with less than five minutes to play to cut the margin in half.

Francisco, Ella O'Connor (Haddon Township, N.J./Haddon Township) and Emily Eichner (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville) combined to record the three shots for the Gators.

Hallie Reiger (Oklahoma City, Okla./Casady) made nine saves in goal in the defeat.

Allegheny will wrap up their weekend trip to Kentucky at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 5, when it competes against Sewanee (Tenn.).