Butler was able to chip away at a halftime deficit but could not overcome Kent State, falling by a score of 16-11 Saturday afternoon at Varsity Field in Indianapolis.
 
With the result, the Bulldogs fall to 0-2 on the young season. Kent State improves to 2-1.
 
An early Kent State offensive push gave the visitors a 9-1 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the second period. That eight-goal differential would be the largest of the contest.
 
Butler would then chip away by scoring four of the final six goals before halftime as Kent State took an 11-5 lead into the intermission. The Bulldogs would out-score KSU, 6-5, in the second half, but could only pull within six on several occasions before the final goal of the game made it a 16-11 decision.
 
Butler's 11 goals were split among eight Bulldogs with Kayleigh Colleary, Lauren Dunne and KK Callaghan each scoring two goals.
 
Jackie Wolford led Kent State with five scores.
 
Butler had a 34-25 advantage in shots, but KSU goalie Madison Flannigan was able to turn away 13 Butler shots.
 
Caroline Smith came on in relief in goal, playing the final 41 minutes of the contest. She made four saves and allowed only eight of the goals.
 
The Bulldogs are on the road next weekend with match-ups at Central Michigan Friday and Detroit Mercy Sunday.