ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– A slow start proved to be the undoing for Eastern University Women's Soccer on a windy afternoon on Olson Field. The Eagles fell behind the visiting King's College Monarchs (6-8, 3-3 MAC Freedom) by two goals in the first eight minutes and saw a secon-half rally fall short on senior day.

The Monarchs found the net on a 20-yard strike from Kristen Ryan in the third minute and doubled their lead on a transition goal in the eighth minute by Danielle Putnam. After the second goal, the Eagles owned much of the play for the remainder of the half, but the Monarch defense collapsed in front of the net and kept the Eagles from finding a dangerous chance with the wind at their backs.

"We had the ball in their end," Head Coach Dan Mouw said of the first half, "but we kind of ran out of ideas when we got to the box. The wind makes it tough to play the final ball, and I think we got caught trying to score two goals on every pass."

Out of the intermission, the Eagles (7-10, 2-4 MAC Freedom) pushed forward with even more conviction. In the 52nd minute, freshman forward Nicole Weenink won a ball 40 yards from goal, earned the box with the dribble, and fired a low shot. The Monarch goalkeeper made the initial save, but Weenink followed her initial effort and tucked home the rebound for her fifth goal of the season.

The Eagles continued to press forward against the wind but were unable to find the tying goal. Eastern finished the game with an 8-6 advantage in shots.

"They got the early goals and forced us to chase the game," Mouw continued. "We played with commitment all the way to the final whistle, but it was not enough. I am so grateful for these three seniors. Hannah [Bomberger], Lydia [Peachey], and Emily [Cole] have been so good for our program. I am so proud of what they have done in their leadership over the last 12 months. They have led and loved well."

The Eagles will host Ursinus College on Wednesday before closing out the year at DeSales next Saturday.