MISHAWAKA, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) women's soccer team dropped a close road league matchup against Bethel University on Wednesday, October 1. 

The two teams battled in the first half, with the Pilots and Cougars combining for just three shots during the opening period. Bethel scored the only goal of the match in the 19th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead. Despite several chances, Saint Francis was unable to equalize, and Bethel secured the victory, improving their overall record to 9-2-1 and their league record to 3-1.

Bethel held a narrow advantage in shot attempts, taking six compared to the Cougars' four. Saint Francis goalkeeper Rachel Bova faced five shots on goal, making four saves over the course of the match. The Cougars recorded three shots on goal, with Evelyn Harkenrider leading the team with two shots landing in frame.

Up next, Saint Francis women's soccer will travel to Ohio for a Crossroads League match at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday. 

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.