Although it was on the short end of the scoreboard, the Austin girls soccer team played solid soccer in the second half as it created something to build on in a 4-1 loss to Winona in Art Hass Stadium Thursday.

Winona’s Jill Serieth, who finished with a hat trick, converted a turnover into a quick goal in the eighth minute to make it a 1-0 game and she scored on a penalty kick to make it 2-0 in the 22nd minutes. The Winhawks held a 3-0 lead at halftime.

“Soccer is a game of chances and opportunity and they had a few opportunities fall their way,” Austin head coach Jake Leivsen said. “We know we need to keep on looking forward and striving for our goals.”

The Packers were much more aggressive and effective in the second half as five of their six shots on goal came in that frame. Senior Chloe Sheehan put Austin (0-2 overall, 0-2 Big Nine) on the board when she scored the first goal of the season with 10 minutes in the game.

“Every game is part of a process and we broke the ice getting that goal in. We’re going to keep on pushing the pace in practice,” Levisen said. “I believe in this team and I believe in their abilities. The fire has been lit.”

Cassidy Nangle stopped three of the four shots she saw in net for Austin and Robin Weaver stopped two of the five shots she faced.