Box Score PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. | Florida Memorial (0-6, 0-5) played its best match of the season, but fell short in a 6-1 loss to Ave Maria in Sun Conference action at Broward College South.

The Lions played a competitive match throughout the first half despite giving up two goals. In the second half, FMU strung together an array of passes and scored their first goal of the season in the 78th minute when Kelsey Akins found Driade Freitas just outside the penalty area. Freitas caught the Ave Maria goalkeeper out of position as she launched a shot from 25 yards out, chipping the keeper for a brilliant goal, bringing the score to 2-1.

The Gyrenes quickly responded with three goals in the next five minutes, putting the match out of reach.

As a team, the Lions finished with a season-high four shots, including two on goal as midfielder Emerita Garcia, strikers Amealia Smith and Akins as well as midfielder Freitas all created opportunities for Florida Memorial.

FMU goalkeeper Hailey Ilijin was outstanding, making 22 saves in acrobatic fashion, while defenders Johana Karbanova and Ciera Taylor were relentless all afternoon.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, October 19 as they face Florida National in non-conference play. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. in Hialeah, Fla.