SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The East Central University soccer team hit the road for another non-conference matchup, traveling south to take on St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday. Despite their efforts, the Tigers were unable to find early momentum and ultimately fell 5-1 to the Rattlers.
 
St. Mary's opened the scoring in the 7th minute, converting a penalty kick following a foul in the box. Just minutes later, the Rattlers doubled their lead on a breakaway finish, and added a third goal in the 22nd minute off a well-placed cross into the box. The early offensive pressure sent ECU into halftime trailing 3–0.
 
The second half began much like the first, with St. Mary's earning another penalty kick in the 52nd minute, which was converted to stretch the lead to 4–0.
 
ECU found a bright spot in the 60th minute. After a powerful strike by Melieah Hinnant bounced off the crossbar, Giselle Heck was there to nod in the rebound for her first goal as a Tiger, cutting the deficit to 4–1.
 
However, St. Mary's added one final goal in the 77th minute to cap off the scoring.
 
ECU will return to action at home on Thursday, Sept. 18, when they host Northeastern Oklahoma State University in another non-conference match. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Tiger Soccer Field.