DURHAM, N.C. – Katelynn Donovan led all Spartans with three shots, but UNCG was unable to find the back of the net, dropping a 1-0 decision at No. 16 Duke.

The loss to Duke (3-0-0) marks the second straight time that the Spartans (2-2-0) have dropped a 1-0 decision to the Blue Devils in Durham. The teams battled into overtime in 2005 before Duke was able to come out on top.

Donovan's three shots were a season high for the senior, while six other Spartans registered one shot apiece. Duke totaled 15 shots, forcing Spartan goalie Barrie Vogel to make four saves over the 90 minutes of play.

The Spartans wasted no time, ripping four shots in the first 30 minutes of play to just two for the Blue Devils. Kristin Player attempted the Spartans' first shot in the fourth minute of play, but had her shot stopped by Duke goalie Cassidy Powers, while Donovan and Mary Kate Towne each sent their chances high. Donovan stepped up again for UNCG in the 27th minute, but sent her second shot of the night over the cross bar once again.

Despite a combined 12 shots in the first half, neither UNCG nor Duke was able to break through. The teams traded opportunities throughout the second half, but it wasn't until the 77th minute when the Blue Devils were able to find the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead that would hold up. Following a Spartan foul deep in their defensive end, Jane Alukonis slipped a direct kick from 25 yards out into the lower left corner for the Blue Devils.

UNCG rallied in the final minutes, forcing Powers to come up with two late saves on shots by Heather Mitrisin and Casey Godwin.

The Spartans will continue their eight-game, five-week road swing when they head to Raleigh for the NC State/Residence Inn North Classic. UNCG will open play against Stetson at 5 pm on Saturday and will conclude their trip to Raleigh against VCU at 3:20 pm Sunday. It will be the first meeting against both programs for the Spartans.

AGATE

Goals by period   1   2  T 
UNCG              0   0  0   
Duke               0   1  1

Shots by period 1   2  T 
UNCG                6   3  9  
Duke               6   9  15

Saves by period 1   2  T
UNCG                3   1  4    
Duke               1   3  4

Corner Kicks 1   2  T
UNCG 0   1  1   
Duke               4   4  8

Scoring Summary:  Duke -  Jane Alukonis (unassisted), 76:19

- UNCG -