LACEY, Wash. – Despite some quality shots from the Saints, NNU defeated Saint Martin's 1-0.
 
SMU (3-4-1, 1-3-1 GNAC) and the Nighthawks (6-1-2, 4-0-1 GNAC) finished the match with 12 shots each but NNU found the back of the net in the first half and that was enough to secure the victory.
 
In the first half, the Saints had some great opportunities early highlighted by a shot in the 10th minute from Sosna Araya that hit the left post. After some competitive play from both sides, NNU broke the stalemate with a goal in the 32nd minute of play. A few minutes later in the 35th minute. Saint Martin's had a great opportunity to tie the game with a shot from Brianna Yamada that also hit the left post. Northwest Nazarene went into the half with the lead 1-0.
 
In the second half, Mia Fleming had a pair of shots on goal that forced the Nighthawks' keeper to make a pair quality saves to keep the Saints off the board. Ellison Kephart had a shot on goal in the 90th minute that was the final opportunity for Saint Martin's to tie the match.
 
Despite the loss, goalkeeper Soph Mendoza had an impressive performance in goal with five saves on 13 shots faced.
 
Saint Martin's will be back on their home field this Saturday hosting Central Washington at 1 p.m. Live stats and video will be available on smusaints.com.