ABILENE, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's soccer team fell behind early in both halves and the Cru's late rally fell short in a 3-2 loss to California Lutheran Friday afternoon in Abilene. UMHB is now 0-1 to start the season while the Regals open at 1-0 following the victory.
 
Cal Lutheran grabbed a quick lead when Mandy Crawford found the back of the net just 1:35 into the match. UMHB responded to tie the match as Chelsea Graham took advantage of a feed from Emily Blaettner to score the equalizer less than six minutes later. It would stay 1-1 into the second half before CLU struck quickly. Crawford assisted Janelle Gutierrez and Sam Cornejo on goals in the 51^st and 59^th minute to give the Regals a 3-1 lead. Graham assisted Blaettner on a goal in the 85^th minute to close the gap, but the Cru would not get off another shot as the CLU defense came up big in the final minutes.
 
UMHB's Emmy McMaude recorded nine saves in goal as CLU outshot the Cru 15-10. Graham took three of UMHB's shots and matched Blaettner with a goal and an assist in the match. Alexa Soto turned away four Cru shots for the Regals to earn the victory in goal.
 
The Cru will return to action with a 5 pm kickoff against William Smith College on Saturday. That match, along with Friday's season opener are being played at Hardin-Simmons University.