LETHBRIDGE – The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns closed out their opening Canada West weekend Sunday afternoon, falling 3-1 to the Mount Royal University Cougars at the University of Lethbridge Community Stadium.
The Pronghorns came out with early pressure, creating several opportunities in the opening minutes. Ophelia Lacroix recorded a shot in the second minute, while Brynn Birnie and Kate Prince also registered early attempts. Prince made a save in the seventh minute before Kate Kungel forced another stop from Mount Royal goalkeeper Ella Filek.
Mount Royal opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Analisa Galvez found the back of the net, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead.
Lethbridge continued to look for an equalizer, with Bronwyn Pittman, Myah Stemmann and Prince recording additional chances. The Cougars doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Zoe Brazier scored her first goal of the Canada West season, assisted by Gabrielle Linford.
The Pronghorns created pressure late in the opening half, but entered halftime trailing 2-0.
Lethbridge again started the second half with attacking pressure, but Mount Royal extended its lead in the 54th minute. Ella Bon Benard scored from distance to put the Cougars ahead 3-0.
The Pronghorns made substitutions shortly afterward, with Kyra Piekema and Lainey Fischer entering the match. Lethbridge continued to push forward, recording chances from Birnie, Chiara Duenser and Ophelia Lacroix, while Prince made a pair of saves at the other end.
The Pronghorns broke through in the 75th minute when Kungel capitalized on a loose ball and scored her second goal of the weekend. Duenser was credited with the assist, cutting the Mount Royal lead to 3-1.
Lethbridge continued to apply pressure over the final 15 minutes, earning a corner and creating additional opportunities, but was unable to find another goal.
Prince made a late save on Bon Benard in the final minute to keep the score at 3-1.
The result gives Mount Royal its second win of the opening weekend, while the Pronghorns finish the weekend with a pair of losses. Kungel led the Lethbridge attack with two goals across the opening two matches, while Prince recorded saves throughout Sunday's contest.
The Pronghorns will look to regroup ahead of their next Canada West match, travelling to Regina on Friday, September 11 to face the University of Regina Cougars.
