ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. -- The Marymount University women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to St. Mary's College of Maryland to open the 2021 campaign on Saturday afternoon at the Seahawk Classic.

The Saints (0-1) were the more active team in the final third throughout the contest, with a 15-11 edge in shots and a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks. MU couldn't solve the Seahawks' (1-0), Kylie Wells, in net, however, as St. Mary's finished with six saves. 

Freshman Grace Needham got the start in goal for Marymount and finished with five saves over 90 minutes of action. Three different players registered three shots for the Saints, while Chloe White led the team with two shots on target. 

The Seahawks took the lead in the sixth minute, as Flor Katz Starr managed to sneak a shot past Needham. The Saints were undeterred and attempted to fight back into the game. Laney Placido tested the Seahawks netminder in the 14th minute but saw her attempt turned away. Jessica Bui rifled a shot on goal in the 35th minute, but once again, Wells answered the call for the home side. 

Marymount's pressure continued to open the second half and the flurry almost paid off in the 59th minute. Placido sent a good attempt on frame, but the shot rattled the crossbar to keep the score at 1-0. Eva Roros and White tested Wells in the 76th and 86th minutes, respectively, but both strikes were saved to seal the contest. 

The Saints return to the pitch at St. Mary's (Md.) on Sunday afternoon to close out the Seahawk classic against Salisbury University. The contest is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. start.