ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The GNAC struggles continued for the Saints, as they fell 1-0 to Central Washington on the road, despite the Saints' defenses fending off 21 shots and keeper Sara Christensen making six saves on the day.
 
The Saints' offense was unable to create many opportunities to tie the match after the Wildcats scored the lone goal of the match in the 40th minute. SMU's first shot that landed on goal came in the 84th minute from Shea McKnight. The Saints were out shot 21-4 in the match.
 
From the first touch to the final seconds, Central Washington controlled the tempo of the match. The Saints went 18 minutes without their first shot attempt, when Isabelle Badillo missed high of the net. The Wildcats managed to record 14 first half shots to the Saints' one and finally connected in the 40th minute on an unassisted goal by Emily Russell.
 
In the second half, the Saints put together more offensive pressure, including nearly tying the match in the 54th minute. Jade Castaneda worked to create an open lane, and had an opportunity to equalize; however, her shot bounced off the crossbar. Kylee Sarchett just seconds later had her shot blocked and the Wildcats survived the scare. Central Washington controlled the ball for the next 30 minutes before McKnight took the only shot on goal for SMU but to no prevail. The Wildcats held on to secure the three points over the Saints.
 
Sara Christensen got the start at goalie today for the Saints, going the full 90 minutes, facing 21 shots, stopping six for saves and allowing the one goal in the first half.
 
The Saints enter their final week of the season, traveling to Concordia on Thursday before returning home for the season finale and senior day on Saturday. The match against Concordia is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. with live stats and video available on smusaints.com.