ARLINGTON, Va. – The Marymount (Va.) University women's soccer team started its stretch of three home games on Wednesday night by dropping a hard-fought match to undefeated McDaniel College, 8-1.

Despite falling behind early to the quick attack of the McDaniel forwards, the Saints had two solid opportunities on goal in the first half, which were saved by McDaniel goalkeeper Sarah McDonald. Shots on goal were by freshman Abigail Mercaldo and junior Joanna Chenaille.

Making her collegiate debut in the 25th minute of play, freshman Carolina Saavedra took over goalkeeping duties, allowing senior Erin Harris to play out the rest of the game in her primary position as a midfielder for the first time this season.

While shots were hard to come by in the first half, the Saints did not squander their second-half opportunity. Junior defender Lyndsie Iwata led a break on the right wing and put a nice ball through to junior midfielder Chloe McAuliffe. McAuliffe, in turn, fired a shot past replacement McDaniel goalkeeper Haley Jacobs for the lone Marymount goal. It was Iwata's first assist of the season, and McAuliffe's third goal.

Harris, in her 24:32 of play in the net, recorded two saves, while Saavedra turned away six attempts in her 65:28.

The Saints fall to 3-4 on the year, but look to turn things around starting with a long week of practice before they compete again on Wednesday, September 23 against Gallaudet University. That game is followed by the opening of Capital Athletic Conference play at Long Bridge Park on Saturday, September 26 against York College of Pennsylvania on homecoming weekend. First touch against the Bison is set for 4 p.m.