Hesston, Kan. — Hesston College women's soccer put together a spirited second-half rally but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to undefeated Southwestern Christian University on Saturday afternoon at Sieber Field.

Southwestern Christian (7-0-1) jumped out early, finding the back of the net three times in the opening 23 minutes. Riley Stanfill struck twice for the Eagles, scoring in the 14th minute off assists from Monse Villacres and Shosona Graham, then again just three minutes later on a feed from Camryn Miller. The visitors added a third at the 22:06 mark when Katelyn Fisher finished another Miller assist to take a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.

Despite the deficit, the Larks (2-5-1) showed resilience in the second half. After pressing the Eagles' back line with a pair of corner kicks, Susana Martinez broke through in the 71st minute, rifling a shot past goalkeeper Lorelai Puglisi to put Hesston on the board. The momentum carried late into the match as Sophomore forward Rena Itoga buried a strike in the 87th minute to pull the Larks within one.

Hesston continued to press in the final minutes, but Puglisi and the Southwestern Christian defense held firm. Ashleigh Williams anchored the Larks in goal, recording eight saves on 11 shots on frame, while the defense tallied an additional team save. Overall, Hesston managed 11 shots with six on target, while the Eagles fired 18 shots, 12 of which were on goal.

Martinez led Hesston offensively with three shots, two on goal, while Itoga, Kristyn Oliver, Lissette Tovar, Jeulz Dean, Suleima Vazquez and Emilie Romero each added attempts. Defender Brooklyn Bailey contributed a gritty effort making a crucial defensive save in the second.

The Larks will look to build on their strong second-half showing as they return to action next week in conference play.