ST. PAUL, Minn. - The University of Northwestern women's soccer team hosted a tough MIAC opponent, St. Olaf, on Saturday in their home opener at Reynolds Field. Despite a strong fight, the Eagles came up short, falling 3-1.

The Oles struck first with a header off a corner in the 7th minute, then doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a composed finish in front of goal. Northwestern continued to battle and nearly found a breakthrough late in the first half. Reigning UMAC Player of the Week, freshman Marie Kendall (Dakar, Senegal/Dakar Academy), nearly stole the spotlight in the 44th minute when her long-range free kick from 40 yards rattled off the crossbar, a strike worthy of ESPN's Top 10 had it dipped just a few inches lower.

Despite going scoreless in the first half, Northwestern pressed in and found its moment in the 81st minute. Senior forward Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) struck from the right side of the box after a setup from Jessica Redman (Beaver Dam, Wis./Beaver Dam), curling her shot into the opposite top corner for a stunning finish that electrified the home crowd. St. Olaf answered minutes later with a top-shelf goal of their own to close out the match, 3-1.

Mersberger led the Eagles with four shots, three on target, and the lone goal. Kendall and Naomi Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) each added two attempts, while Redman notched the assist. Between the posts, Sam Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) collected eight saves across 90 minutes.

Northwestern returns to action on Wednesday, September 17, hosting UW-Stout at Reynolds Field at 7:00 PM before opening conference play next week.