DeLand, Fla. – The Mercer University women's soccer team dropped its second Atlantic Sun match in a row, losing to Stetson, 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Bears (4-8-1, 3-3-0 A-Sun) gave up a season-high four goals in the first half, and were forced to play from behind for much of the match. Stetson (6-7-0, 3-2-0 A-Sun) opened up the scoring in the 12^th minute after a Katie Bitetto goal and over the next 10 minutes quickly put the game out of reach.

"We started off strong and then we just didn't follow the defensive tactics that had been instituted," head coach Grant Serafy said. "Stetson displayed a lot of heart and then just sort of beat us up from there."

Before the clock reached the 20 minute mark, the Bears found themselves behind 3-0 and playing catch-up from then on. All three Bear goal tenders saw time in goal on Sunday with junior goal keeper Cagney Valloch starting the match and giving up the three quick goals.

Valloch was replaced just 25 minutes in, as fellow junior Cristina Guilarte entered the game – coming off a recent injury – and gave up the fourth goal before the first half ended.

Going into the second half, the Bears hoped to get a little momentum and were able to get on the board just three minutes into the final stanza. Junior midfielder Olivia Tucker out jumped the Stetson defenders and headed a ball off a Patricia-Anne Upson set piece into the back of the net.

Down 4-1, the Bears maintained the offensive pressure throughout the half, recording 15 of their 22 total shots in the period. Eight corner kicks in the half gave the Bears a number of scoring chances as well and senior forward Lauren Johnson led all Mercer players with four total shots and two on goal.  

However, the Hatters fought off the offensive onslaught and were able to add a late goal to get the lopsided win. Stetson scored on every shot on goal they took on Sunday.

The Bears continue A-Sun play with just one game next weekend at Campbell. Mercer will head to Buies Creek, N.C. on Saturday, Oct. 9 for a 7 p.m. kickoff with the Fighting Camels.