Maryland Heights, Mo. - The Maryville field hockey team stayed within striking range of Lindenwood before finally dropping a narrow 2-0 decision Thursday afternoon at Sport Port International. Saints goalie Liz Bierhals made seven saves in the net, while Florieke Spa had two shots on goal.
 
The Lions put early pressure on the Maryville defense but Bierhals made two stops and Lindenwood rang a shot off the post as the first quarter remained scoreless. However, four minutes into the second saw the Lions sneak a shot in to take the lead. Two minutes later, Spa nearly leveled the game but her shot from the left side was turned away as Lindenwood settle for a 1-0 edge at the break.
 
Neither team had a dangerous chance in the third but Bierhals came up with a save to keep the deficit at just 1-0 leading into the final quarter. Lindenwood doubled its lead two minutes in for a 2-0 margin. The Saints earned a penalty corner midway through the final quarter, and Spa nearly cut into the Lindenwood lead but her shot was blocked. She had a final chance with five minutes to play that was saved as the Lions held on for the victory.
 
The Saints slip to 4-4 on the season, while the Lions are 3-6 on the year. Maryville is next in action Sunday, Oct. 15, when they are back at Sport Port to take on host Saint Louis University in a 1 p.m. contest.