MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's soccer team was defeated 5-3 by Martin Luther College in a nonconference game Wednesday evening in Morris, Minn. Sophomore Hope Berscheit scored two goals in the loss for the Cougars.
 
The Knights improve to 1-2, while the Cougars fall to 0-2-1.
 
"Definitely a tough one today," said head coach Emma Morris. "We make no excuses; we simply weren't good enough. Luckily if there's a time to learn and grow it's during non-conference, and we will do so and come back ready to fight this weekend on our trip down to Iowa. Special shout out to Hope and Brianna for their goals. We'll be back stronger."
 
The Cougars had the first attack, resulting in a Berscheit shot on target. The Knights responded quickly, with their first shot finding the side netting to give them the early lead just two minutes in. The Cougars continued to apply pressure, leading to a corner. Brianna Ganske sent in the cross, and after the ball bounced around, it found Berscheit, who leveled the game.
 
Both teams created chances as the half progressed, but it was MLC who struck next, taking a 2-1 lead into halftime.
 
Martin Luther opened the second half strongly and doubled its lead 10 minutes in. Minnesota Morris began to string together passes, resulting in Ganske's first collegiate goal, assisted by Emma Buzinec. With momentum building, Abigail Oxborough fired a shot that was saved, but Berscheit pounced on the rebound to tie the game at 3-3.
 
The tie was short-lived, as the Knights regained the lead five minutes later. The Cougars created more chances in the final 10 minutes, but a counterattack by MLC sealed the game at 5-3.
 
Berscheit recorded her first two-goal game as a Cougar, while Ganske notched her first collegiate goal. Oxborough and Buzinec each earned their first collegiate point with an assist. Minnesota Morris recorded a season-high 11 shots on goal, with Oxborough, Berscheit, and Johnette Nagbe each registering three. In net, CJ Frear-Boerner made nine saves.
Minnesota Morris hits the road for the first time this season on Saturday, traveling to Storm Lake, Iowa, for a 1 p.m. matchup with Buena Vista University.