It was a difficult beginning to 2023-24 for the Forester women's hockey team, which was defeated 7-0 at Saint Mary's University Friday night.

The home team took the early lead 98 seconds into the contest was was ahead 2-0 at the first intermission.

The game got away from Lake Forest in the second period as the Cardinal scored five times.

The Foresters were unable to put more than four shots on goal in any period and Saint Mary's had a 36-10 edge in that category on the night.

Lake Forest will look for a better result on Saturday when the same two teams face off again at Saint Mary at 2:00 p.m.