MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team played Purdue University evenly the final 60-plus minutes, but could not overcome the fast start by the visitors in dropping its exhibition opener Tuesday afternoon at Engelmann Stadium.
 
"It's a good experience any time we play against outside competition and there is no better way to open up than to play a quality Big Ten school," first-year head coach Troy Fabiano said. "It is a starting point and we know what we need to do to improve on it."
 
The final 62:34 of the day was scoreless between the Panthers and Boilermakers, with Milwaukee recording the best pair of chances after halftime despite not finding the back of the net in the 4-0 decision.
 
"I think we settled down more," Fabiano said. "They started their opening lineup after halftime and I thought the second half was played very evenly. I think we settled down a bit and just played."
 
Sophomore Maddie Tetzke had a nice chance in the 74^th minute, nearly heading in a combination of passes in front. Classmate Sydney Senn came close as well in the 80^th minute, sending a breakaway attempt that just zipped past the far post.
 
Newcomer Mallory Geurts made a nice impression in goal in the second half. She was credited with six saves in 45 scoreless minutes, making an eye-opening save on a rifled volley off a corner kick in the 57^th minute.
 
Purdue took control of the game early on. Maddy Williams scored in the ninth, 15th and 22nd minutes to complete a natural hat trick and take the wind out of UWM's sails.
 
"I think the nerves got the best of us in the first half," Fabiano said. "I think we allowed them to dictate play and our nerves played a factor in the start of the game. All of the goals were scored early."
 
The Panthers continue exhibition play with a matchup against Indiana State Saturday afternoon in Wilmette, Ill. Game time is 12 p.m.