WINONA, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris Women's Soccer program played their first match under new head coach Emma Morris. The Cougars battled through a match-up against a tough MIAC opponent, managing to hold the Cardinals to three goals while scoring one of their own.

Saint Mary's opened the scoring for this match in the 8th minute of play, managing to sneak the ball past CJ Frear-Boerner in their first attempt at the goal. For the remainder of the half, the Cardinals continued to sub in fresh legs, taking shots and keeping the Cougars on the defensive. Scoring opened up for Minnesota Morris later in the half when Bella Toth nailed a goal for the Cougars, putting them on the board in the 33rd minute. The rest of the half remained scoreless and it was 1-1 heading into halftime.

The Cardinals earned their second goal of the match in the 51st minute of the second half, putting them up 2-1. Continuing to maintain possession of the ball, Saint Mary's tested the Cougar defense and were rewarded with a third goal in the 59th minute. Despite the four more shots the Cardinals took on goal, the Cougars kept them scoreless for the rest of the half. Toth attempted to close the gap in scoring with a shot on goal in the 80th minute that was unsuccessful. The Cougars finished the game with a 3-1 loss.

Frear-Boerner made eight saves in the Cougar net, while Toth hammered three shots at the Cardinal's goal.

The Cougars will play again Sep. 3 and 3:30 p.m. in their home opener against the Hamline Pipers.