NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College played well in a 2-0 defeat to UW-River Falls on Wednesday.

The Knights entered the game looking for a better performance against the Falcons than last season, when they allowed nine goals at UWRF, and found it thanks to a strong defensive effort for much of the day.

The Falcons came out firing and outshot the Knights 19-0 with the help of a strong wind at their backs in the first half, but MLC keeper Mollie Fischer allowed only one goal to keep the Knights close.

UWRF was able to add an insurance goal in the 58th minute to take a 2-0 lead, but MLC fought back and held them to only three shots on goal in the half.

Fischer finished with 14 saves on 16 shots on goal, while her defense led by Courtney Ritter, Sarah Kjenstad, Abby Enstad, Rebecca Krug and Maya Aden kept most of the Falcons' shots outside the box.

MLC fell to 3-4 in defeat, while UWRF improved to 7-1 on the season with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, September 28, when they open UMAC play with a game at North Central. That contest is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.