WINONA, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict soccer team couldn't overcome a fast start by Saint Mary's on Wednesday afternoon, falling, 5-1, in MIAC play in Winona.

The Bennies, now 5-11 overall and 3-6 in conference action, saw first-year forward Olivia Smith record a memorable moment—her first career goal—burying a penalty kick in the 71st minute to get CSB on the board.

Saint Mary's, improving to 9-5-2 overall and 3-4-2 in the MIAC, was fueled by a dominant performance from Lauryn Skoruppa, who notched a hat trick and added two assists. Skoruppa opened the scoring early and played a role in nearly every Cardinals goal, bringing her season total to 15 goals. Samantha Munson also added two goals, bringing her season tally to nine, along with an assist.

The Cardinals jumped ahead quickly, scoring twice within the first nine minutes to seize early control. Skoruppa added her second of the day at the 27:56 mark, giving SMU a 3-0 halftime advantage. Just after the break, she completed her hat trick to extend the lead to 4-0 before Smith converted her penalty kick for CSB. Munson then capped the scoring in the 75th minute off another assist from Skoruppa.

Statistically, the match was fairly even—SMU held an 11-10 edge in total shots and a 9-8 advantage in shots on goal. The Cardinals also led, 3-1, in corner kicks and 7-4 in saves.

The Bennies now turn their focus to Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, when they host Concordia-Moorhead at 3:30 p.m. on the CSB Turf Field.