Game Summary / GameDay Preview

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Statistically, the Saint Mary's University women's soccer team dominated Saturday's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against St. Catherine.

The Cardinals boasted a 16-10 advantage in shots attempted, while finishing with eight shots on goal, compared to the Wildcats' six.

Unfortunately for SMU, St. Catherine held the advantage in the one category that really mattered — goals scored. SCU scored in the game's opening minute and never looked back in handing the Cardinals a 2-0 conference setback.

“This was a tough one to lose,” said SMU assistant coach Andy McCaslin. “We certainly played well enough to win today. The ladies played some of their best soccer of the season — unfortunately, we just couldn't come up with the win.”

St. Catherine's Sam Levercom put the Wildcats on the board 50 seconds into the opening half and Lensa Gurmessa gave SCU some breathing room with an unassisted tally in the 74th minute.

“We got put on our heels a bit with that early goal, but at no time did we feel like we weren't in control of the game,” said McCaslin. “This group fought like heck right to the end.”

Cassie Hulett (Milwaukee, Wis.) finished with four saves — including three in the second half — while SCU goalkeeper Chelsea Jones-Thomas stopped all eight SMU shots in recording the shutout.

SMU (1-2-0 MIAC, 4-5-0 overall) returns to action on Wednesday, playing host to Gustavus in a 7 p.m. conference game at Ochrymowycz Field.