ROHAN KENI | Reporter

CORRECTION:  a previous version of this article falsely attributed a quote to assistant coach Jeff Vaninger.  

Lindenwood women’s soccer had its first home game at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium on Monday night, and it resulted in a thumping 3-1 loss against the Maryville Saints.

In the first half, two strikes from Maria Loya and Caite Huesgen saw the Saints ride into halftime with a solid lead. 

The Lions lacked agility in the first half and found themselves wrong-footed through improper positioning.  However, less than 15 minutes into the second half, forward Morgan Weller scored a thunderous goal for Lindenwood through a long-range over-head assist from Alaina White.

In addition to scoring Lindenwood’s first goal of the season, Weller, a sophomore, lead the team in shots for the contest, tallying three.

Nevertheless, after the Lions’ goal, the Saints re-grouped and upped the ante by increasing the intensity and scoring the third and final blow, as Kaley Ruff scored from close range with a set-piece goal from the corner.

At the final whistle, the Lions suffered a 3-1 loss, moving their record to 0-1-1.  

Friday night, Lindenwood hosts Drury at 5 p.m., before facing another home game against Missouri University of Science and Technology Sunday morning.