NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Saint Mary's soccer team shouldered a 3-0 setback against visiting Hope on Senior Recognition Day on Saturday.

 

Kara Stacey kept the Flying Dutch at bay early on as the freshman goalkeeper collected saves on a pair of shots during the opening 13 minutes of play. The Belles, meanwhile, had a pair of opportunities in response to Hope. Rose Stackhouse carried the ball through the attacking third for Saint Mary's before a cut-back shot from the top of the 18 yard box was blocked by a defender out of play for a corner kick. Less than two minutes later, Stackhouse played a ball into space for Jillian Bowen. Bowen kept her defender on her shoulder before sending a shot on goal that was saved in the 21st minute. At the other end, Kara Stacey made a big kick save in the 22nd minute to keep the game scoreless. Stackhouse then had a chance of her own in the 24th minute saved. The Flying Dutch, however, broke through for the first goal of the game in the 25th minute to take the lead.

 

Hope had a pair of shots glance off the crossbar and the post as the Belles remained right in the mix of the game. Stacey continued to come up with some clutch saves between the posts, but the Flying Dutch doubled their lead with a goal in the 64th minute. Saint Mary's had their best buildup opportunity with just under five minutes to go on the clock when Stackhouse and Becca Stella played a pair of quick passes along the right side of the Belles' attacking end. Stella's ball into the box nearly connected with Stackhouse's foot near the penalty spot, but the Hope goalkeeper was able to get to the ball just before the senior co-captain to stop the scoring chance. The Belles earned a late corner kick, and Maya Cole's service was well-placed into the box as Stella tried to elevate to get the header shot on frame only to have the opportunity denied. The Flying Dutch, meanwhile, added a late goal for the final 3-0 margin in the contest.

 

Jillian Bowen and Rose Stackhouse each had a shot on goal for the Belles while Izzi Linus added a shot of her own. Kara Stacey made a season-high 11 saves in goal.

 

The Belles (7-4, 0-2 MIAA) are on the road on Wednesday as they travel to Adrian for a 7:00 p.m. game against the Bulldogs.