MONMOUTH, Ore. – After falling behind by three goals in the first half, Kiersten Madsen and the Saints punched in two second half goals in the final 15 minutes. But the Saints' comeback attempt fell short as SMU dropped the match 3-to-2.
 
Just 98 seconds into the match, Western Oregon (1-1-0) managed to jump on the scoreboard early, scoring on a turnover. Then in the 8th minute, the Wolves found the back of the net again, this time off a free kick that bounced over the Saints' (0-3-0) defense. Saint Martin's began to settle down in the match as the first half went on, but right before halftime, Western Oregon scored again to drive home a 3-0 lead.
 
After being outshot 9-to-1 in the first half, the Saints went on the offensive in the second half. SMU recorded seven shots, while only giving up three opportunities. The Saints' defense posted a shutout in the second half, allowing the offense a chance to get them back in the game.
 
Madsen, who had one of the Saints' two goals on the year coming into the match, punched in her first goal of the match in the 76th minute. The senior found space in the middle of the field, shooting upper corner to put the Saints on the board.
 
Then in the 83rd minute, Saint Martin's forced a penalty in the box. Madsen, who scored her one goal earlier this season on a PK, took the kick. Driving the ball to bottom right post, the Saints cut once again into the lead. However, in the final minutes, Saint Martin's was unable to pull off the comeback, dropping 3-to-2.
 
Madsen was credited for four of the Saints' eight shots, while Payton Aselton, Taylor Goodpastor, Justine Pauly, and Alyssa Twogood each had one. Ali Campigotto got the start in goal, allowing three goals on 12 shots, with three saves.
 
The Saints return home and welcome Western Oregon on March 25 at 3:00 PM. Live stats and streaming of the match will be available on smusaints.com and YouTube.