Photo by Sam Thiel SMSU’s Kirsten Wetterstrom controls the ball during their game against the University of Mary on Sunday. SMSU fell to UMary 1-0.

MARSHALL — The Southwest Minnesota State University soccer team looked to bounce back after a late loss against Minot State University Friday when it took on the University of Mary on Sunday. The Mustangs were able to keep the Marauders off the board in the first half, but a goal in the final frame was enough for UMary to earn a 1-0 victory at Mattke Field.

Despite the tough result, SMSU coach Erin Kasmarik-Mallett said they did a good job of competing hard and added there is a lot they can build on as a group.

“We competed for 90 minutes and I don’t think you can ask any more from our players from an effort standpoint and that’s a testament to them and their strength of character, even when things don’t go well, so that’s definitely something for us to build on,” Kasmarik-Mallett said.

It was back and forth to start, with both teams getting some quality scoring chances, but neither was able to capitalize as the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 going into the half.

The tight play continued in the opening minutes of the second half before the Marauders struck first with a goal with 30:44 left to go up 1-0. SMSU would have multiple chances to get the equalizer on the board over the next several minutes, but weren’t able to find the back of the net and UMary would hold on the rest of the way to get the win.

UMary outshot SMSU 7-6 on the afternoon, with both teams getting four shots on goal apiece.

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SMSU (1-5 overall, 0-4 NSIC) will hit the road next weekend, taking on St. Cloud State University on Friday at 5 p.m. before facing the University of Minnesota Duluth next Sunday at noon. Kasmarik-Mallett said they just need to limit their mistakes but felt there were a lot of positives to take away from the game.

“I think the piece to be learned is whoever makes the first mistake, the other team usually gets the goal to go ahead and we made the first mistake and gave up a goal and when everybody in your conference is good and you do that, the games are close,” Kasmarik-Mallett said. “That’s something we’ll take and learn but I think there are a lot of positives from this game and a lot of depth and growth was shown and we’ll keep plugging away.”