The Blue Hose entered their first match of the campaign with high hopes, only to see the North Dakota Fighting Hawks seize a 2-1 victory on a rain‑soaked evening in Grand Forks.
The Hawks struck first, with Lillian Bashaw finding the net in the 15th minute to put the visitors on the back foot.
Julija Poplašen answered quickly, striking an unassisted goal in the 44th minute to level the score and spark a surge of momentum for Presbyterian.
The deadlock persisted until the 83rd minute, when North Dakota's attacker slipped a decisive ball past the defense and finished with a low shot that left the Blue Hose goalkeeper scrambling.
Alexa Garcia, guarding the goal for Presbyterian, made five saves throughout the contest, keeping her team within striking distance despite the relentless pressure.
Coach Anna Hussey and midfielder Emma Brown each contributed two attempts on goal, underscoring the team's attacking intent even as the final whistle approached.
What’s Next for the Blue Hose?
The loss drops Presbyterian to 2-1 on the season, and the squad now turns its attention to a Sunday clash with the North Dakota State Bison, the first-ever meeting between the two programs, as part of an ongoing road trip through the state.