The Oglethorpe women's soccer team had a tough afternoon Saturday, as they took on defending SAA champion Centre in the conference opener for both teams. The Stormy Petrels hung tough for long stretches of the game, including most of the first half, but the visiting Colonels pulled away in the end for a 4-0 victory. The loss dropped the Petrels to 2-4 on the season overall and 0-1 in SAA play.

Despite a Centre onslaught in the first half, the Petrels played well defensively. The Colonels fired 17 shots, but put only five of those on goal, and Oglethorpe freshman goalkeeper Lindsey Bolas made four saves over the course of the period. However, the visitors were able to break the deadlock in the 27th minute. It was only a 1-0 lead for Centre headed to the halftime break, though.

In the second half, the Colonels outshot the Petrels 12-1 and began to open the game up. They tallied a pair of goals in the 53rd minute to suddenly expand their advantage to 3-0. They added a fourth goal in the 82nd minute, as well, bringing the scoreline to 4-0.

Bolas ended the contest with six saves on 10 shots faced. Centre outshot Oglethorpe 29-1 overall and 10-0 on goal. The visitors also took eight corner kicks to none for the Petrels.

"Things obviously didn't go our way today," said Oglethorpe head coach Wes Anania, "but give credit to Centre. They're a very good team. We have another game tomorrow, so we'll look to rebound quickly heading into that."

The Petrels will take on non-conference opponent Oakwood Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Oglethorpe Track and Field. After that, they will hit the road to take on Brenau at 7 p.m. Tuesday, then return home for a non-conference tilt with Piedmont at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.