BELOIT, Wis. - Beloit College faced a tough challenge at Strong Soccer Field this afternoon, falling to Saint Mary's (MN) with a final score of 5-0. Despite the Buccaneers' spirited effort, the visiting Cardinals dominated the offensive play, the match was called early after lightning was detected in the area.
From the outset, Saint Mary's (7-1-0, 1-1-0 MIAC) demonstrated their offensive prowess. The Cardinals opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the match, quickly followed by goals at 26:25 and 35:21 via penalty kick, giving Saint Mary's a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.
The Buccaneers' (1-5-1, 0-0-0 MWC) defense, led by goalkeeper Sophia Dietz (Schaumburg, IL), faced a relentless barrage throughout the first half. Dietz made an impressive 9 saves in her 45 minutes of play, preventing the scoreline from being even wider. Key defensive players like Sarah Connors (Paso Robles, CA), Sara Holguin (Beloit, WI), Meah Mora (Caldwell, ID), and Zyana Turcios (Elmwood Park, Ill.) were put under constant pressure, playing the full 80 minutes for the Buccaneers.
The second half saw similar patterns of play. Hannah Bradley netted her second goal of the match for Saint Mary's at 49:35, and Peyton Maier sealed the Cardinals' victory with a penalty kick at 73:26. Beloit's goalkeeping duties in the second half were handled by Kaya Williams (Cincinnati, OH), who also made 5 saves.
Offensively, Beloit managed 2 shots in the first half, both off target, and none in the second. Meara Plum (Wentzville, MO) and Connors recorded the Buccaneers' only shots, with Connors' attempt being saved.
The Bucs head on the road for their next match, squaring off against the Bluejays of Elmhurst University. Kick off from Langhorst Field is set for 6 pm.
