CHICAGO, Ill. — Behind a strong offensive effort from Ava Mosley (Stillwater, Minn.) and Emma Theisen (Rosemount, Minn.), the College of Saint Benedict lacrosse team showed resilience throughout a 19-6 loss to No. 18 Chicago on Saturday.

After falling behind 9-1 in the opening period, the Bennies regrouped and found their footing. Lilly Fandel Thompson (St. Louis Park, Minn.) accounted for the early goal off an assist from Rayna Malmberg (Stillwater, Minn.), and Saint Benedict began to generate more chances as the game progressed.

Chicago pushed its lead to 13-1 early in the second, but Mosley sparked a response with back-to-back goals to pull the Bennies within 13-3 by halftime. Chicago had a 20-7 margin in shots after two periods of play.

Out of halftime, Theisen added a goal midway through the third period to make it 13-4. Chicago answered to extend its lead to 15-4 heading into the fourth stana, but the Bennies continued to compete. Theisen scored again early in the final period off another Malmberg assist, and Mosley completed her hat trick with 1:45 remaining.

Mosley finished with three goals and now has 12 on the season, second-most on the team. Theisen added two goals to bring her season total to nine, while Fandel Thompson contributed a goal and an assist and now has seven goals this year.

After the early deficit, Saint Benedict played nearly even with the nationally ranked Maroons over the final three periods. Chicago finished with advantages in shots (39-21), ground balls (25-21) and draw controls (15-12).

The Bennies return to action Wednesday with their WIAC home opener against UW–River Falls at 5 p.m.