EL DORADO, Kansas --  The Northern Oklahoma College Women's Soccer Team opened the 2019 season losing to 8th ranked Butler 3-1 Wednesday night.

The Mavericks' goal was scored by Tulsa sophomore Maddie Cochran at the 43:34 mark.

The goal trimmed the Butler lead to 2-1.

"Despite the loss I am pleased with our performance against Butler," said head coach Jade Ovendale.   "Butler has a strong reputation and are a program I have a lot of respect for. We started the game really well and put them under some pressure early. It was pretty even in the first half but finished it 2-1  Second half we came out pretty quickly and was unfortunate not to equalize with a shot from (Bristow freshman) Skylar Yocham. Butler became more comfortable in the game and scored a third from a headed freekick."

"We are still growing together as a team," Ovendale added.  "This is our only second game of the season and there has already been improvements. We have some things we have to adjust and fix however we are still in the early days of our best selves. Despite the score we came home with a lot of positives from the game. There is still a lot of growth to be seen with this squad."

Butler out shot the Mavs 15-6 and had seven corner kicks to the Mavs one.  Maverick keeper Madeline Kindred had six saves.

The Mavericks are in action Thursday, Aug. 28 at Cowley College at 5:30 p.m.