ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College women's soccer team began MIAC play with a 4-1 loss at St. Catherine University Wednesday afternoon at St. Kate's Field. The defeat drops the Scots to 3-3 overall, while the Wildcats, who are the defending MIAC champions, improve to 5-1.

After a scoreless first half, Macalester got on the scoreboard first in the 72nd minute. Senior midfielder Maia Lemov (Delmar, N.Y./Bethlehem Central) passed the ball up the middle to junior forward Julia Hanson (Weston, Mass./Weston), who scored from 12 yards out for a 1-0 lead. It was Hanson's first goal of the season and 10th of her career.

Less than a minute later, a goal by Natalie Pfleger tied the score, the Pfleger struck again in the 77th minute to put the Wildcats on top, 2-1. A foul called on a Macalester player in the penalty area resulted in a penalty kick goal by Ayah Makled in the 83rd minute. Lydia Benson tallied a goal off a free kick in the 85th minute to close out the scoring.

St. Catherine held a 19-12 advantage in shots, with sophomore Lily Salazar (Oakland, Calif./Bentley Upper School) making 11 saves in goal for the Scots. Brianna Valdez registered eight saves for the Wildcats.

Macalester continues conference play on Saturday, Sept. 20 at St. Olaf. The MIAC match begins at 3:30 p.m. in Northfield, Minn.