NAMPA, Idaho – Kiersten Madsen struck early for the Saints; however, the momentum quickly swung to Northwest Nazarene as NNU defeated the Saints 5-1 in the conference opener.

Madsen's fifth goal of the season, a team leading mark, came in just the seventh minute, putting SMU (4-2-0, 0-1-0) on top 1-0. The Nighthawks (5-0-1, 1-0-0) managed to equalize the match just two minutes later. Later in the first half, NNU scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 34th minute and was able to score an insurance goal before the half ended in the 44th minute.

The momentum continued for the Nighthawks in the early goings of the second half, with two quick goals in the 50th and 53rd minute to widen the gap to 5-1. Another, and ultimately the final dagger came in the 66th minute when NNU converted on a penalty kick.

The Saints recorded 12 shots in the match, eight landing on goal, led by Madsen with four and Kylee Sarchett at three. Ali Koehler finished the match with seven saves on 20 shots faced. Olivia Bianco picked up her first assist of the season on Madsen's goal.

The Saints return home to host Seattle Pacific on Thursday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m. as part of a doubleheader of Saints' soccer. Live stats and video of the match will be available for free on smusaints.com.