MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's soccer team lost to Martin Luther College, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon at Cougar Field. The loss drops UMN Morris to 3-10-3 (3-5-3 UMAC) on the year.

Minnesota Morris started the match on the front foot and had a pair of nice scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes. A shot from Jadyn Sondrol in the first minute of play forced a save from Grace Sievert. In the 13th minute, Monica Calderon nodded a header just wide of the post. Martin Luther began to grow into the match as it moved along and the teams went to halftime even with six shots apiece in the opening 45 minutes.

The Knights were the better team in the second half and Bernadette Cienik was called into action frequently to keep Minnesota Morris in it. Cienik had saves in the 51st and 52nd minutes to keep the score level, but Martin Luther broke through with a goal in the 55th minute. Cienik got a hand to the shot from Megan Martin, but not enough to keep it from finding the back of the net.

As the second half ticked away, the Cougars had shots from Maddie Schneider, Matteya Borah, and Calderon all saved by Sievert to keep MLC in front.

Cienik finished the day with nine saves for Minnesota Morris. Calderon led the Cougars with three shots, while Bella Toth and Kim Peters each had two.

Minnesota Morris closes out its home schedule on Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. match against Bethany Lutheran College as the Cougars celebrate Senior Day.