MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Saint Louis battled back from a three-goal deficit but came up just short Sunday afternoon, falling to Central Michigan 3-2 at Cristy Freese Field.

The Billikens drop to 2-4 on the season, while Central Michigan improves to 2-5.

Sierra Larson capped a standout weekend with a goal and an assist Sunday. The senior scored SLU's first goal in the third quarter before assisting on Ella Etherington's goal in the fourth quarter as the Billikens trimmed the deficit to one. Larson finished the weekend with four goals and an assist after recording a hat trick in Friday's 6-0 victory over Mercyhurst.

Central Michigan opened the scoring late in the second quarter when Carolena Ryon found the back of the cage with 17:11 remaining in the half. The Chippewas added two goals in the third quarter, with Mora Rulli scoring at 30:44 and Teah Savignano adding another at 33:12 to take a 3-0 advantage.

Larson got the Billikens on the board with 39:05 remaining in the third quarter, scoring her fourth goal of the season.

SLU continued to pressure in the fourth quarter, and Etherington cut the deficit to 3-2 with 1:46 remaining after converting a feed from Larson. The Billikens generated another penalty corner shortly afterward but could not find the equalizer.

Abby Schalow made four saves for the Billikens, who finished with two goals on five shots and earned five penalty corners. Central Michigan goalkeeper Jenna Billig made five saves.

The Billikens open A10 play on Friday when Saint Joseph's comes to the SLU Field Hockey Complex. Game time is 2pm.