AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's women's soccer created chance after chance Saturday night but couldn't find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss to rival St. Mary's under the lights at Lewis-Chen Family Field.

The Hilltoppers (2-5-1, 1-2-1 Lone Star Conference) outshot the Rattlers 19-9 and controlled long stretches of play, but a second-half strike by Marily Garza Contreras in the 55th minute proved to be the difference. Contreras finished from the left corner of the box off an assist from Shelby Paniagua out of a corner kick, handing St. Mary's (2-4-1, 1-3-0) its first conference win of the season.

Forward ANNIE ROCHA was at the center of the Hilltoppers' relentless attack, registering a team-high nine shots — four on target — and forcing Rattlers goalkeeper Haley Faucette into several difficult saves. St. Edward's generated nine first-half shots and continued to press after halftime, but Faucette finished with seven saves in the clean sheet.

St. Edward's goalkeeper DARIA SCHLUMBOHM made three saves on the night, including a key stop in the 77th minute to keep the Hilltoppers within striking distance. Despite that, the offense couldn't convert late opportunities, with shots from RILEY KNOX and RAINEY SIMMONS sailing off target in the closing minutes.

The Hilltoppers will look to bounce back when they continue conference play next week, hosting UT Tyler on Wednesday, then traveling to play Midwestern State on Saturday.