WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace's women's soccer team opened up the Crossroads League season with a 1-0 loss to No. 20 Taylor on Saturday.

The match was practically even in every facet, but a sixth-minute goal proved to be the only separator between the two squads at 1st Source Bank Field.

Four minutes in, Grace had a well-worked attack that resulted in a left-footed shot by Hannah Miller. Her curled effort produced a diving save by Taylor's goalkeeper.

Two minutes later, Taylor's first dangerous possession of the match ended in the game's first goal. The Trojans' goal by Shelbi Lowe stood despite a few of close chances for Grace's offense.

In the ninth minute, Kristen Bellinger nearly scored on a deep free kick. She caused trouble on another long effort in the 17th minute when her long shot whisked just wide of the upper-left corner of the net.

The Trojans (8-0, 1-0 CL) came close on a corner kick. Abby Schue parried away a headed effort inside the penalty box, using a diving one-handed stab to keep the ball from crossing the goal line.

The Lady Lancers (1-5-1, 0-1 CL) started the second half on a strong note with two shots in the first five minutes. Bellinger tried another shot that went high, and Meredith Hollar worked her way into a shot from the top of the box that was saved.

Grace continued to ramp up its attack in the second half but to no avail. Grace took four shots after halftime compared to three for Taylor, but the Lady Lancers were unable to turn their offensive pressure into a goal.

Taylor, who has only surrendered two goals this year, added another shutout to their season with the 1-0 victory.

Statistically, the game was practically even with the Trojans holding a slight 8-7 shot advantage, and Grace having the upper hand in corner kicks 5-3. Five of Grace's shots were on goal compared to three for Taylor.

Bellinger had three shots for Grace to tie for the match honors. Schue made two saves in 90 minutes for Grace in goal.

The Lady Lancers travel to No. 25 Marian on Tuesday for their next league contest.