ALMA, Mich. - The Saint Mary's soccer team lost their first contest of the 2012 campaign by a 2-1 margin to Central Region No. 4 Alma on Saturday afternoon.
The Scots struck early with a goal in the eighth minute of play, but the Belles were able to respond with a goal in the 24th minute. Beth Ruff connected with Jordan Diffenderfer for the equalizer midway through the opening half of action on just the second recorded shot of the contest for Saint Mary's. Riding the momentum off the goal, the Belles out-shot the Scots 7-1 over the remainder of the first half.
In the final ten minutes of action, the Scots had a flurry of offensive action. After back-to-back corner kicks, an initial shot was blocked by the Saint Mary's defense. The rebound off the block, however, was scored by the Scots with just 7:44 remaining in regulation. Ruff had a shot in the final five minutes for the Belles, but the attempt went wide of the mark.
Chanler Rosenbaum suffered the loss in goal while making seven saves for the Belles. The goal for Jordan Diffenderfer is the third of the season for the junior. The assist is the first of Beth Ruff's collegiate career.
Saint Mary's (4-1-1, 2-1 MIAA) will return home to host Albion on Tuesday, September 25 for a 4:00 p.m. contest against the Britons.
