NOTRE DAME, Ind. - No. 16 Grace's women's soccer team was held without a goal during its season opener on Saturday.

The Lancers fell 2-0 on the road to Holy Cross in a physical match to kick off the 2023 campaign.

Grace's attack was quiet for much of the contest as the young squad saw its first action of the season; the team was limited to five shots with one corner kick.

Grace had a handful of dangerous moments in the first half. Tori Twombly's header after a corner kick was saved, and Rosalie Gefrorer also had an attempt that was saved. Grace also had a penalty appeal denied from a challenge during a 1-on-1 situation.

The Saints broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, capitalizing on the team's fourth corner kick of the afternoon.

The teams went into halftime with Holy Cross claiming the 1-0 advantage.

The second half began physically; the Saints committed six fouls in the first five minutes to go along with a yellow card. Holy Cross finished with 17 fouls and three yellows.

Before Grace could find an equalizer, Holy Cross doubled its lead with another goal. The Saints pulled ahead 2-0 in the 57th minute.

The Lancers did their best to respond, but attempts from Amy Wearing and Gefrorer did not find the back of the net.

By the final whistle, Grace's young squad had to settle for the opening defeat.

The Lancers have 14 new players this season; 11 players saw their first collegiate minutes for Grace during Saturday's match.

Grace will travel to Indiana Tech on Aug. 26 for its next outing. Grace's home opener is set for Aug. 31 against Brescia.