PUEBLO, Colo. - Playing against a rival always adds a bit of pressure to a conference game. The CSU-Pueblo women's soccer team felts that pressure in the first matchup of the season against UC-Colorado Springs, falling 3-0.

The Pack opened up the game playing with a strong wind going against them. The tough conditions showed in the first half as the Mountain Lions pressured the Pack in their defensive zone. The opening goal came at 21:29 on a nicely placed shot by Lindsey Birdseye.

Playing with the wind at their back helped the Pack gain confidence in the second half as they exploded with 14 shots. Amanda Jorgensen (Fr., Wailuku, Hawaii) led the way with five shots with Tamra Nee (Jr., Honolulu, Hawaii) just behind her finishing with four shots.

But before the Pack could cash in on their oppotunities the Mountain Lions would add to their lead on a ball sent into the box by Jenna Gist. Gist's ball into the box was able to find Hannah Levett who had an easy opportunity finishing at the top of the six yard box.

The Pack came dangerously close to closing the deficit in the 74th minute when Jorgensen was able to find an opening to drive a hard shot off of the crossbar.

Alicia Irwin (Jr., North Richland Hills, Texas) would also come close to finding the back of the net when her well hit shot was tipped away by the goalie up before hitting off of the crossbar.

UCCS would add a third goal late in the second half with a goal by Jade Hilbert. Hilbert received a pass from the far side that she would finish in the upper right corner of the goal.

Savannah Thompson (Jr., Upland, Calif.) finished with eight saves as she continues her solid junior campaign. Thompson currently leads the conference in saves with 93 as well as top five in save percentage for keepers.

The Pack will continue their mini homestand when they host Metro State at 4:30 p.m.