MEQUON, Wis. — The Saint Mary's women's hockey team (0-1) skated stride-for-stride with Concordia Wisconsin (1-0) on Friday for the season opener for both squads but came up short, falling 3–1 in a hard-fought road matchup.

All the action came in the second period!

After a scoreless first period, the Falcons broke through midway through the second but the Cardinals answered right back. Maggie Albers buried a shot less than three minutes later at the 10:28 mark for the first Cardinal goal of the season, with assists from Kenzie Meland and Leah Parker, tying the game at one apiece. 

Concordia Wisconsin, however, also responded quickly with two goals to take a 3–1 lead heading into the final frame.

Goaltender Celeste Rimstad stood tall between the pipes, stopping 25 shots to keep the Cardinals within reach. 

Saint Mary's generated strong puck movement and several looks on the power play in the third period, but Concordia Wisconsin's defense held firm. Despite sustained offensive pressure late, the Cardinals couldn't find the back of the net before the final horn.

Saint Mary's will look to bounce back as they continue nonconference play tomorrow with a rematch against the Falcons at 3:00 p.m.