Posted: Oct 26, 2019
HOLLAND, Mich. - The Saint Mary's soccer team ended on the short side of a 3-0 final at regionally-ranked Hope College on Saturday afternoon.
The host Flying Dutch got on the scoreboard early with a goal in the fourth minute. Hope added to the lead in the 14th minute with a second strike, but the Belles dug their heels in deep against the Flying Dutch. Thallia Robles made four saves over the next 15 minutes of action as Saint Mary's denied Hope the chance to add to their advantage. The Belles then built possession before earning a corner kick in the 37th minute of action, but that chance was unable to yield a scoring opportunity for Saint Mary's.
Robles and the Belles continued to keep the Flying Dutch off the scoreboard throughout the first 39 minutes of the second period as Robles turned away the first five shots on goal she faced in the stanza. Hope tallied their third goal of the game in the 85th minute. Undeterred, the Belles came right back with a strong offensive push when play resumed. Saint Mary's earned another corner kick, but the ensuing play saw the Belles drawn offside to halt the chance.
Saint Mary's was held without a shot in the contest. Thallia Robles had a season-high 13 saves in goal for the Belles.
The Belles (5-10-1, 0-6-1 MIAA) close out the 2019 season on Tuesday, October 29 when they travel to Trine for a 7:00 p.m. contest.