AVE MARIA, Fla. - The Ave Maria Women's Soccer team put up a gritty defensive stand but couldn't find the net in a 4-0 loss to Keiser University tonight at Gyrene Field. 

In the matchup, while the Gyrenes maintained composure and connected well, the Seahawks struck early and often, capitalizing on their offensive attack. Keiser opened the scoring in the 16^th minute and added another tally just five minutes later to make it 2-0 by halftime. The Gyrenes, trailing but resilient, held off any further advance, while managing just three shots in the opening frame. Catherine Dalton gave the Gyrenes a chance with her effort at minute 16, curving toward the top of the net from the outside of the box, yet just rattling the crossbar.

The second half brought more pressure, as the Seahawks were able to find the net at 49:02, followed by another finish in the 59^th minute. Freshman goalkeeper Avalena DeBolt was a force in goal, logging all 90 minutes and turning aside five shots to hold back the scoreline against Keiser's 19-shot barrage. 

Despite the shutout, the Gyrenes showed flashes of their potent attack, which has tallied 20 goals through seven games. Accordingly, the women's defense has allowed just 11 goals overall, with two clean sheets in their three wins. 

With the loss, Ave Maria falls to 3-3-1 on the season, and 2-1-1 in the month of September.

The women return to Gyrene field this Saturday to face the Southeastern Fire at home, as they look to bounce back. It is their final game in a four-game homestand, their longest such stretch of the season. Saturday is also part of a triple header on the Ave Maria campus, with Volleyball and Football also at home. Kickoff is set for 11:00am and the match will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network.