MINOT, ND – In the conference opener between two of the top teams in the Northern Sun, the University of Mary women's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at rival Minot State University. The Marauders held the lead at half before the Beavers rallied, scoring the winning goal with less than three minutes remaining in the game.
 
The Marauders (1-2 overall, 0-1 NSIC), who won a pair of 1-goal games from the Beavers last season, including a road victory in the NSIC tournament, opened the scoring early in the match. Registering her second goal of the season, senior forward Caylin Cathey found the net just 4:28 into the night.
 
Scoring her first goal of the match, Sofia Lewis knotted the game for Minot State less than eight minutes later.
 
UMary quickly struck again. Taking a tap from inside the box off the foot of Jade Smith in the 20^th minute, Cathey scored her second goal of the night to push the Marauders in front 2-1.
 
Once again, Lewis found the net for Minot State, scoring in the 52^nd minute to again pull the two teams even.
 
Both defenses went on lock down as over the next 20 minutes as both squads managed just one corner kick each and one shot on frame apiece.
 
Following a save by Minot State's Erin Rafferty on a Caitlin Dooley shot – the last of the game for the Marauders - the Beavers ripped off three straight corner kicks and had a shot glance off the post.
 
Granted one last opportunity in regulation, the Beavers took advantage of a foul call on the Marauders to score off a free kick at the 87:51 mark.
 
"Great effort by our team tonight," said Marauders head coach Sarah Cook. "They were brilliant in many moments of the game. It's a such tough one to swallow because it feels like it was stolen a bit. Minot is a good team, they have some very talented players, credit to them...they made some big plays tonight and that was the difference.
 
"We go back to the drawing board...with another two big games this weekend. I'm excited to see how the team reacts."
 
Both teams attempted just eight shots on the night, with MSU holding a slight 6-5 edge in shots on frame. The Beavers also led 7-1 in corner kicks.
 
Making her second career start, Madisyn Waltman made three saves for UMary. Megan Lowery was the lone Marauders player to be credited with multiple shots, attempting two in the game.
 
The Marauders continue to stay on the road the opening week of NSIC play, visiting Northern State on Friday, Sept. 14, and MSU Moorhead on Sunday, Feb. 16.
 
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