MUNCIE, Ind. – Saint Louis opened its 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 loss Sunday against Ball State at the Briner Sports Complex in Muncie, Ind.

The Billikens fall to 0-1 on the year, while the Cardinals improve to 1-1.

Ball State scored twice early in the second quarter to take a 2-0 lead before Ignacia Manriquez got the Bills on the board. Her shot found its way into the cage for her third career goal.

The Cardinals' Julia Verratti, who scored all three Ball State goals, tallied early in the third quarter to make it 3-1 Ball State.

But the Billikens responded once again, this time on a goal by Olivia Smith off a corner. Brynn Newborn and Abby Vidas assisted on the goal.

SLU continued to pressure but were unable to find another goal. The Billikens out-cornered Ball State 6-5. The Cardinals had a 15-10 edge in shots. SLU goalie Abby Schalow made six saves.

Saint Louis is back in action next weekend with two games at the Billiken Field Hockey Complex. Ohio is the opponent in the home opener Saturday, Sept. 6, at noon. Lincoln Memorial comes to town on Sunday, Sept. 7, in another noon start.