NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's soccer team lost its opener in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play by the score of 7-2 against Minnesota Morris on Tuesday.

The fireworks started early on the scoreboard, as UMM opened the scoring just 1:33 into the game on a goal by Molly Hancuh. The Cougars' Megan Ellingboe added to the lead just 3:08 later, but the Knights' Jenna Maurer would respond.

Seconds after the Cougars' second goal, Maurer took pass from Hailey Johnson in the middle of the box and sent it home to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Later, in the 15th minute, Maurer tied the score 2-2 after a strong run down the right sideline, finished by a strong shot into the right corner of the goal. Maurer now has four goals this season, and moved into a tie for third place in program history with 40 goals for her career. 

The Knights continued to generate chances, but defensive miscues plagued them the rest of the game. The Cougars took the lead for good in the 22nd minute, and then added penalty kick goals in the 45th and 66th minute to put the game out of reach.

MLC fell to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in UMAC play in defeat. UMM improved its record to 1-3 on the season and 1-0 in conference play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, September 17, when they travel to Crown College for a 2 p.m. game.