GRAND JUNCTION, CO- The Cougars opened RMAC play on Friday night with a trip to nationally ranked #20 Colorado Mesa. The CCU defense held strong for the majority of the night, but a second half goal from CMU proved the difference in a narrow 1-0 defeat. 

The backline and keeper Mia Mares had their work cut out for them early as a flurry of shots on goal were saved by Mares. More looks from the Mavericks did not find their target as a defensive struggle headed to the half with the teams knotted at 0-0. 

Mares made another save early in the half, and Justine Moreau had a shot saved in the 63rd to thwart the best offensive threat of the game for the Cougars. CMU continued to push, and in the 74th minute of play they broke through to take the 1-0 lead. CCU fought hard to get more looks off, but they were thwarted as 90 minutes closed in a 1-0 setback. 

The Cougars continue RMAC play with their second conference matchup at Westminster on September 28 at 1:30 p.m. MST.