Saint Mary’s soccer opened MIAA play on the road Tuesday night with a 2-0 loss to Kalamazoo, the team’s first defeat of the season.
The Hornets scored early in the ninth minute, putting the Belles behind for only the fourth time this year. Saint Mary’s responded with a strong stretch of pressure, forcing Kalamazoo goalkeeper Jess Forbis into saves on attempts from Eleah Hedstrom, Marley Cady and Grace Reyda.
Despite generating chances, the Belles could not find an equalizer. Kalamazoo doubled its lead just before halftime, converting in the 44th minute to go into the break ahead 2-0.
The Belles continued to push in the second half but came up short in front of the goal. Hedstrom led the way with three shots, including two on target. Isabella Kreydich added two attempts, while Cady, Reyda, Janelle Aiello and Bella Musachio each placed shots on frame. Saint Mary’s finished with nine shots overall and six on goal.
Goalkeeper Meghan Krayer had a busy night in the net, recording a career-high nine saves. Making her third consecutive start, the freshman turned away several dangerous chances in the second half to keep the Belles within striking distance.
On the defensive side, Saint Mary’s relied on its back line to absorb extended stretches of pressure. Brooke Baumann, Danielle Escobedo and Kayla O’Neal all played the full 90 minutes as Kalamazoo pressed for a third goal that never came.
Reyda picked up the team’s lone yellow card in the 62nd minute, and the Belles finished with eight fouls to Kalamazoo’s 10.
The loss was uncharacteristic for a Saint Mary’s defense that had conceded only three goals through its first eight games. Tuesday’s result marked the first time this season the Belles allowed more than one goal in a match.
Offensively, Saint Mary’s demonstrated they could create opportunities, but struggled to break down a disciplined Kalamazoo back line. The Belles’ six shots on goal matched the Hornets, though Forbis’ saves proved to be the difference.
With the loss, Saint Mary’s falls to 6-1-2 overall and 0-1 in MIAA play. The Belles turn their focus to a three-game home stand that will be pivotal in shaping the next stretch of their conference season.
After nine games and a strong non-conference showing, Saint Mary’s enters October aiming to regroup on its home field and build momentum in league play.
The Belles return to action Saturday, Oct. 4, when they host Calvin at 1 p.m. They will then welcome Adrian on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 12:30 p.m. for Senior Day, and on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. against Olivet in their Morgan’s Message game.