MORAGA, Calif. – Less than 48 hours after going toe-to-toe with the nation's #5 team, Indiana, on the road, Sacramento State faced yet another challenge on Sunday, this time on the road at #6 Saint Mary's. The Hornets were unable to keep pace with the top-ranked Gaels, falling 4-0.

The loss drops Sacramento State to 5-4-1 overall. Saint Mary's meanwhile, improves to 8-1-0.

Sacramento State was on the defensive for almost the entirety of Sunday's match, doing its best to fend off a very aggressive Gaels offense. The 6th-ranked Gaels piled up 27 shots Sunday afternoon, compared to the Hornets' 6.

Despite the lopsided shot totals, the Hornets took the Gaels into halftime trailing just 1-0. However, the high-octane attack coupled with a Sacramento State red card on Oscar Govea, proved too much to overcome. With the Hornets down a man, Saint Mary's took full advantage and scored three times in the second half.

Ryan Curtis fended off some of the Saint Mary's attack, making eight saves, matching his career-high.

Offensively, Benji Kikanovic led the Hornets with two shots, both on goal. Genaro Alfaro added Sacramento State's third shot on frame.

The loss closes out what was likely the toughest weekend in Div. I soccer as the Hornets played on the road at #5 Indiana and #6 Saint Mary's, traveling over 4,500 miles in a four-day stretch.

Up next for Sacramento State is a non-conference finale against Causeway rival and Big West foe UC Davis on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 3 p.m.. Details on that game, including links to tickets, video, live stats, and more, can be found online on the Sacramento State men's soccer schedule at HornetSports.com.