NEWBERRY — A second half comeback was not enough for the Newberry women’s lacrosse team in its season opener, as the Wolves fell 8-5 to the visiting Shorter College Hawks on Sunday, despite a pair of goals by freshman Noelle Allen.

Newberry (0-1) surrendered its first goal of the season a little over 10 minutes into the first period when Shorter’s (1-1) Rachel Skinner scored off a free position opportunity. Skinner’s goal was followed about six minutes later when the Hawks took a 2-0 lead on a goal by Shelby Beverly. Avery Armstrong continued Shorter’s scoring trend on a free position shot to put the Hawks ahead 3-0.

The Wolves answered Armstrong’s goal within a minute of her score, as sophomore Tessa Davis scored Newberry’s first goal of the season on a free position shot.

It appeared neither team would add another goal before the buzzer sounded for halftime, but Katie Ott of Shorter recorded her first score of the year to give the Hawks a 4-1 halftime lead.

Newberry came out of halftime strong as junior Kerri Ann Barlage scored 40 seconds into the second period with an assist to freshman Carly Marksberr. Shorter answered back quickly as Armstrong tallied her second of the game.

Armstrong struck again around the 22-minute mark to put Shorter ahead of Newberry 6-2. The Wolves took advantage of a foul away from the ball just outside the 20-minute mark as Allen ran off the foul straight to goal for what would be her first collegiate goal.

Trailing 6-3, Newberry was unable to get past the Shorter defense over the next five minutes before Marksberry picked up and ground ball and immediately snapped a shot past the Shorter keeper for her first collegiate goal.

Shorter again answered a Newberry score, when Mia Wiggins scored at the 12:47 mark. Newberry instantly responded as Barlage not only controlled the draw, but delivered an assist on Allen’s second goal of the season at 12:36 to put Newberry behind by only two goals.

The Hawks scored one more goal within the 11-minute mark when Skinner scored once again. Skinner’s final tally would be one of the final true scoring attempts either team would see, as the Hawks controlled the possession for the final few minutes of the game to run out the clock.

Newberry continues a short homestand on Thursday as the Wolves welcome Pfeiffer for a Valentine’s Day showdown at 3 p.m.