SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - After a close battle, the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) women's soccer team fell short to No. 13 Spring Arbor University by a final score of 2-1 on Saturday, September 27. 

The SF Cougars kept SAU off the scoreboard until the 33rd minute, when Karly Miller found the back of the net to give Spring Arbor a 1-0 lead.

Spring Arbor struck again early in the second half, extending its lead to 2-0. In the final 10 minutes, the SF Cougars pressed forward, with Evelyn Harkenrider and Grace Preston each firing a shot on goal, but were unable to find the net. Grace Hein capitalized on a late penalty kick, netting her fifth goal of the season in the 87th minute to cut the deficit to one. Saint Francis tried to maintain their momentum, but was unable to score the equalizer before time expired. Spring Arbor held on for a 2-1 victory, improving to 5-1-4 overall and 1-0-1 in league play.

SAU held the advantage in shots during Saturday's match, with sophomore goalkeeper Rachel Bova saving 10 of the 12 shots that landed on goal. Saint Francis forced the SAU goalie to make three saves. Hein finished with a pair of shots landing on frame for Saint Francis.

Saint Francis women's soccer continues Crossroads League play with a road match at Bethel University on Wednesday, October 1. Match time is set for 6:00 p.m. in Mishawaka. 

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.