BALTIMORE – The UMBC women's soccer team was edged by the Delaware Blue Hens, 1-0, in a non-conference battle on Sunday afternoon at Retriever Soccer Park.

The Blue Hens (5-0-1) scored the only goal of the contest with 26:54 remaining in the second half. Sophomore midfielder Maggie Holloway sent a through ball from the midfield for classmate Olivia Bley. Bley made a great run into the box along the left side and fired a shot on goal that a Retriever defender deflected. Freshman midfielder Lilli Lubic was able to pounce on the loose ball and tapped in a shot that hit off the inside of the near post and trickled over the line.

The Retrievers (3-2-1) had an excellent opportunity to take the lead just 2:25 into the match as sophomore defender Gabby Larson made a run down the right flank after receiving a terrific ball from junior midfielder Payton Schenning. Larson fired a shot from seven yards out, but Delaware goalkeeper Sophia Hall was able to get a piece of the blast. The ball bounced in front of the net, but the hosts did not have anyone in position to pick up the loose change.

Delaware nearly scored 4:05 into the second half, but reserve keeper Amara Codd (two saves) made a diving save to her right on a seven-yard laser by Maggie Groh.

UMBC had one last chance to get the equalizer by Schenning's 25-yard screamer from the center of the pitch, which just sailed over the center of the crossbar with 5:30 remaining.

"I thought we came out and went toe-to-toe with them," said UMBC head coach Rick Stainton. "We knew they were going to be an excellent and dynamic team. I thought we did a good job of defending for long periods of time. We got out on a couple of transitions and exposed them, but unfortunately, we didn't get to capitalize on those chances."

UMBC travels to its local rival, Towson, on Thursday evening.