St. Ambrose women's soccer kicked off their 2023 campaign with a tough test, facing the 2022 National Runner-Up and second-ranked Marian Knights in the season opener for both squads. The Bees kept pace with Marian but ultimately dropped the contest 1-0 Saturday afternoon in Davenport.

After two attempts by the visitors to start the game, SAU got chances from Taylor DeSplinter, Lauren Bendall, and Adriane Latham but couldn't find the back of the net. The Knights almost took the lead in the 22nd minute, but the shot hit off the crossbar. The Bees got chances from DeSplinter and Mia Hefner to end the first half with the teams knotted at zero.

Jenna Horst and McKenna Shilevinatz tried to put St. Ambrose ahead to begin the second half, but neither attempt found the mark. DeSplinter and Kaitlyn Brunson forced back-to-back saves by the Knight goalkeeper in the 61st and 62nd minutes. Marian would find the lone goal of the game in the 64th minute from Kaitlyn Lavezzi to take a 1-0 lead. Grace Kuchar and Mary Evans had the final attempts for the Bees as the game would end 1-0 for the visitors.

St. Ambrose recorded 12 shots with DeSplinter leading the way with three, followed by Evans with two.

The Bees will be back in action on Wednesday, August 23rd, traveling to Des Moines to take on Grand View at 8 p.m.