CASTINE, Maine — The Maine Maritime Academy women's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 4-1 decision to the University of Southern Maine on Wednesday at home.

Maine Maritime (5-1) struck first in the in-state showdown, scoring just 3:27 into the match. Junior Abby Wong delivered a free kick off a USM (4-4) foul that landed in the 8-yard box, where sophomore Hadley Stoddard finished to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead.

The Mariners' defense battled, and junior goalkeeper Isa Thesing turned away several Huskies' scoring attempts before USM tied the match in the 26th minute.

USM closed the first half with a 13-3 edge in shots. Thesing recorded five saves in the half.
In the second half, the Huskies netted the eventual game-winner in the 67th minute and added two insurance goals to secure a 4-1 victory.

Maine Maritime returns to North Atlantic Conference play on Saturday with a 1 p.m. road match at Thomas College.