The SUNY Potsdam women's lacrosse team was unable to overcome a slow start Tuesday, suffering a 17-7 defeat at St. Lawrence in a North Country non-conference affair in Canton, N.Y.

After falling behind 8-2 in the first half, the Bears (2-3 overall) surrendered four goals during a six-minute span to open the second as St. Lawrence took control of the contest.

Juniors Carly Richards (Niskayuna, N.Y.) and Maribeth Simmons (Clinton, Conn.), and sophomore Lizzy Penree (Cooperstown, N.Y.) scored two goals apiece to lead Potsdam, which was outshot 37-18.

The Saints (2-3) took their largest lead of the game at 17-5 with 7:52 remaining in the game before the Bears scored two goals before the final buzzer sounded.

Junior Kaci Milligan (Liverpool, N.Y.) and freshman Jen Chmiel (Rochester, N.Y.) each appeared in goal for Potsdam. Milligan took the loss, posting six saves in just under 40 minutes of action, while Chmiel played just over 20 minutes and saved three shots.

Junior Sierra Langkammerer (Fayetteville, N.Y.) recorded the Bears' other goal, and Richards and freshman Dana Molloy (Brewster, N.Y.) each tallied assists.

Potsdam begins a four-game home stand this Friday against cross-town rival Clarkson at 4 p.m.