MORAGA, Calif. — In a hard-played match between two equally matched teams, Saint Mary's (6-8-2, 1-4-1 WCC) came up short against San Diego (6-7-1, 2-3 WCC) in a 1-0 loss Thursday afternoon.

HOW IT HAPPENED
San Diego took the lead at the end of the first half as Devyn Kelsey received a quick pass off a corner kick and rolled her shot through a crowd and in for her first tally of the season. The 41st minute goal proved to be the difference maker in the match as the Gaels could not break past the Torero defense.

The Gaels had a tough opening half as they were outshot 11-3 by the Toreros. SMC did not take a shot until the 29th minute when Malia Alison fired an attempt to the right post. The Gaels finished the match with seven shots and were led by Alison and Jordyn Cunningham who had two each.

Sarah Sawatzky made her first start of the season against the Toreros and recorded five saves in the match. The junior Sawatzky's start was the first start by a Gaels' goaltender not named Maleah Milner this season.

THOUGHTS FROM TRAVIS CLARKE

• "We played a little flat in the first half. In the second half, we played the best we have in a few weeks so we need to find a way build on that moving forward."

QUICK FACTS

• The Gaels now hold a 10-17 all-time record against the Toreros and are 2-2 in the last four matchups.
• San Diego racked up nine corner kicks while Saint Mary's recorded two.
• The match was only the second home loss this season for the Gaels.
• There was a total of 16 fouls between the two teams.

UP NEXT: BYU

• The Gaels will return to Saint Mary's Stadium on Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff against BYU. Tickets for the game can be found by clicking here, calling the Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx, or by purchasing them at the entrance to the stadium.