MORAGA, Calif. - Izzy Smith opened her LMU scoring account, but the Lions fell to Saint Mary's 3-1 on Wednesday afternoon in Moraga, Calif. 

 

The Gaels got off to a very strong start, scoring all three of their goals in the first 20 minutes of the match.  

 

Callan Harrington came off the bench in the first half to give the Lions a jolt of energy in the sweltering Moraga heat and nearly got the Lions on the board as the first half progressed. Harrington created some chaos in the penalty area and rose above multiple defenders to get her head on the end of a bouncing ball. The ball careened off the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick. 

 

With the Lions down three at the half, head coach Chris Chamides gave some non-regular players some action and they almost got the Lions back into the match.  

 

Smith earned her first start for LMU and took her chance in the 78th minute to give the Gaels something to think about for the final ten minutes. Harrington once again made a darting run that forced the Gaels keeper to come out of her box. A miscommunication between her and her backline led to a short clearance that Smith took first time and floated a chip shot towards goal. With the Gaels' keeper frantically running backwards, she could only get a touch to it as it went in the net.  

 

Ava Mathieson switched to the left side of the pitch in the second half and Harrington picked her out in the 84th minute for another dangerous opportunity. Mathieson found loads of space and decided to shift the ball onto her right before taking a rip from distance. The shot was saved and that would be the final dangerous opportunity for the Lions in the match. 

 

LMU returns to Sullivan Field after a long hiatus on Saturday to face new WCC foe Washington State. Saturday's match will begin at 7:00 p.m. (PT) with tickets available on LMULions.com. The match will also be streamed on ESPN+.