FORT KENT, Maine -- Maine Maritime battled even with Maine-Fort Kent in the first half before dropping a 4-0 decision to the Bengals in a non-conference women's soccer match Sunday. The Mariners fell to 1-4-1 while the Bengals improved to 4-1.

Maine Maritime keeper Taylor O'Malley was one of the main reasons the Mariners were able to play even with Fort Kent for most of the contest. The junior stopped 18 shots in the first half and three in the second for a career-high 21 saves. Her previous high was 20 stops against UNE in 2011.

After the scoreless first half, Arian Leberge-Pelletier netted three goals in the second half and Kayla Richards added one. Leberge-Pelletier scored in the 47th, 55th and 75th minutes. Victoria Dubois-Iredale notched two assists for the Bengals.

The Mariners managed three shots on goal, two from Sarah Brochu and one by Annie Koensgen. Koensgen fired a shot high in the first half before Brochu's first shot in the second half was stopped by Kimika Forbes (1 save) and her second shot was left of the frame.

The Mariners return to the pitch Wednesday in their North Atlantic Conference opener hosting Husson at 7:30 p.m.