ST. PAUL, Minn. — A determined second-half rally came up just short for the College of Saint Benedict soccer team on Saturday, as the Bennies fell, 3-2, to Macalester in a tightly contested MIAC matchup.

Despite second-half goals from Gabby Fernholz and Summer Seamans, CSB (5-8 overall, 3-3 MIAC) couldn't overcome an early three-goal deficit built by the Scots (4-6-1 overall, 1-4-1 MIAC).

The game was a tale of two halves. Macalester wasted no time seizing momentum, with Georgia LeWin-Mills striking twice in the opening 10 minutes. Her first came just 2:16 into the match off an assist from Adi Nhouyvanisvong, and she followed it up with an unassisted effort at the 9:29 mark. The Scots added to their lead at 18:55 when Mikayla Edmunds converted another setup from Nhouyvanisvong, giving the home side a 3-0 advantage before halftime.

But CSB came out of the break with renewed energy. Fernholz sparked the comeback bid in the 54th minute with an unassisted goal, which was the first of her career. And, just seven minutes later, Seamans found the back of the net off a pass from Sienna Chase to bring the Bennies within one.

From there, both defenses tightened. CSB pressed for the equalizer in the final 30 minutes, but Macalester held firm to secure its first MIAC win of the season.

Statistically, the Scots held a narrow edge in total shots (14-10) and shots on goal (9-7), while also earning a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks. CSB's goalkeepers made six saves, compared to five for Macalester.

Up next, the Bennies will look to bounce back when they travel to Northfield to face Carleton on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 3:30 p.m.