NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's soccer team was unable to slow down the Vikings of Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) in the second half of a 3-0 defeat in Wednesday's season opener. 

The two teams battled to a scoreless draw through the first half of play, but the Vikings finally found the back of the net in the 52nd minute on a goal by Asia Jota, and then quickly added a second tally in the 55th minute by Isabella Garza.

The Knights were strong defensively for much of the final 30 minutes, but the Vikings' Maddie Perry finally broke loose with under 10 seconds to play in the game for BLC's third and final goal on her 15th shot of the game. 

The Knights did a good job of keeping the Vikings at a distance for much of the game, even though BLC finished with 30 total shots, but MLC struggled to generate offense on the attack, finishing with seven total shots and three shots on goal.

Megan Marohn led the Knights with three total shots, while Morgan Spoehr, Kaitlin Butler and Marohn each recorded one shot on goal.

Grace Sievert made eight stops on 11 BLC shots on goal.

MLC fell to 0-1 on the seaon and in UMAC play to open the season in defeat. BLC improved to 1-0 overall and in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Monday, September 6, when they travel to Saint Mary's for a game scheduled to start at 5 p.m.