AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team lost a 4-1 decision to visiting Saint Leo Friday evening in front of 323 fans.

The Pacers are now 2-1-1 on the young season while Saint Leo improved to 3-0.

After a scoreless first 20 minutes of the match, head coach Sue Vodicka's Caroline Gillespie broke through, netting the first goal of the contest. Olivia Stiltner crossed the ball toward the center of the field where Gillespie corralled it and blasted home the shot for a 1-0 edge.

USC Aiken maintained the advantage throughout the rest of the first half and went into the second period with the one-goal lead.

In the second stanza, the visitors broke through the shorthanded defense, netting four goals en route to the win.

The contest was extremely physical as four yellow cards were dished out.

For the match, the Pacers were out-shot 22-9, including 12-1 in the final 45 minutes. Saint Leo had the edge with seven corner kicks to five for USC Aiken.

Hannah Allison and Megan Smits had two shots apiece to lead the way for the Pacers.

Nicole Cranny played all 90 minutes between the pipes. She registered seven saves in the match.

USC Aiken returns to action Monday when the team hosts Newberry in a 5:30 p.m., contest.