The Belles dropped their final non-conference game of the season to Elmhurst Wednesday, falling 3-1.
Elmhurst was able to grab an early 1-0 lead, scoring from the 18-yard box in the 20th minute of the game, but was held to without another goal for the rest of the half as the Belles (4-10-1, 1-3) defense shut them down.
"We came out with the approach to keeping the game close through the first half in order to give ourselves a chance to win in the second half," coach Ryan Crabbe said. "Although we were down 1-0 at the half, I thought we were on track. Our second half effort was strong but again we came out on the wrong side of the result."
Elmhurst was able to score the eventual winning goal of the game in the 50th minute on a poke inside the far post on a cross from the left side of the field.
Senior Katy Durkin recorded the only goal for the Belles not long after Elmhurst's second goal to cut the lead in half, with her 10th career goal.
The Belles had a couple more chances to tie the score up late in the second half but the shots would not fall and Elmhurst would later add an insurance goal to secure the 3-1 victory.
Adele Bruggeman was strong for the Belles in goal, making six saves while playing all 90 minutes.
The Belles are looking for a more cohesive effort from everyone throughout the entire game, Crabbe said.
"With consistency, sometimes we do not start games well, other times we struggle to play 90 minutes of a complete game," Crabbe said. "Additionally, we have not taken responsibility in front of goal as I have stressed all season long."
