BLUFFTON, Ohio - Saint Mary's College Soccer fell to Bluffton University on Wednesday, 2-1, in Bluffton, Ohio. The Belles fall to 0-2 on the season while the Beavers improve to 1-0-1.

Saint Mary's was dominant in the first half as they finished the first 45 minutes outshooting Bluffton 8-1 and took a 1-0 lead into the break after a beautiful chip goal at the 11:08 mark from senior Grace Barresi gave the Belles the early lead. The Barresi goal came off of some beautiful passing play which resulted in junior Lauren Ryan earning her first assist of the young season.

Bluffton came out strong in the second half, scoring the equalizer less than eight minutes into the second half of play off a goal from Morgan Jarvis. While Saint Mary's would create plenty of chances after the match was tied up, the Beavers would take their first lead of the match at the 79:13 mark thanks to Reece Lawler. The Belles couldn't mount a comeback and the Beavers would walk away victorious.

Saint Mary's was dominant on the offensive side of the ball, outshooting Bluffton 22-7, 11-5 in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Riley Lindsey made three saves off the five shots she faced. Five different Belles would record double-digit shots, sophomore Margaret Slove led the team with seven shots, three being on goal. Seniors Barresi and Izzi Linus both tallied four shots while three of Barresi's were on target. Freshman Taylor London made her first collegiate start and recorded three shots while Ryan would record two.

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES:

Saint Mary's returns home for a quick two match homestand at the Purcell Athletic Fields starting on Saturday when they host Knox College for the home opener with kickoff set for 11am. The Belles then play host to Indiana University-South Bend on September 10 for a cross-town rivalry matchup with an updated kickoff time of 5pm.