HARDEEVILLE, S.C.- The Ave Maria University women's soccer team hung around with one of the nation's best on Saturday afternoon, but couldn't pull off a major upset in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the SCAD-Savannah Bees in Hardeeville, South Carolina. The Gyrenes played even with the Bees for nearly 50 minutes, but the nationally-ranked hosts scored twice in the second half to ensure they remained unbeaten in SUN play.

For 45 minutes, the Gyrenes stood up to one of the best teams on their 2023 schedule. SCAD's advantage in shots was just 7-4, and the Bees managed just three shots on goal, all of which were turned away by freshman goalkeeper Emma Schweitzer. The Gyrenes did an excellent job on set pieces, as six corner kicks from the Bees yielded no results. AMU's defensive efforts sent the match to halftime scoreless.

SCAD finally broke through just under five minutes into the second half. Sydney Chura found Savannah Berglind Baldursdottir, who finished for her fourth goal of the season in the 50th minute. The Bees added to their lead in the 71st minute, when Chura did it herself for her fifth goal of the season. The Gyrenes did manage a pair of shots on goal in the second half, but both were turned away.

Ave Maria allowed just two goals despite facing a barrage of 24 shots from SCAD, including 14 shots on goal. The Gyrenes were active themselves on the offensive end of the field, launching ten shots and earning four corner kicks. Six of Ave Maria's ten shots came in the second half, with two of those coming on goal.

Emma Schweitzer continued to come into her own as Ave Maria's goalkeeper, holding strong against the Bees to the tune of 12 saves. Offensively, junior Rachel Dalton was Ave Maria's most active attacker, logging three shots. Seven other Gyrenes attempted at least one shot, with the two shots on goal provided by junior Elizabeth Nowak and freshman Cate Cox.

AMU's schedule does not get much easier heading into the next week, which will feature a pair of Gyrene home matches. The first of these home matches comes Wednesday night, when the Gyrenes welcome No. 6 Keiser University to Gyrene Field. The week concludes Saturday morning, when the women's soccer program starts a tripleheader of AMU action with an 11:00 a.m. match against Warner University, also at Gyrene Field.