The Lady Toppers struck just one minute into their first exhibition on Friday but were shut out the rest of the way, falling 2-1 on the road to Tennessee-Martin.

Senior Courtney Rymer connected on a pass from freshman Lauren Moats to put WKU up 1-0 in the first minute.

“I am not sure if (the quick goal) helped us or hurt us,” coach Jason Neidell said in a release. “Sometimes you get an early goal and you lose concentration.

“It was great to see us get on the board like that, but it was all for not tonight.”

The Skyhawks’ only shot on goal during the first half became their first goal, when Ashley Reveiz connected from 15 yards out.

UT-Martin’s second goal came when Alyssa Curtis dribbled in on the left side and crossed the ball into the right side of the goal past WKU freshman goalkeeper Nikki Hall.

Hall played keeper the second half, while junior Katlyn Barnes played the first.

Barnes only had one shot on goal, while Hall had four saves.

The Lady Toppers lost decorated keeper and four-year starter Libby Stout to graduation last year.

The team had issues with spacing and with players being where they need to be, Neidell said.

“I thought we were probably a bit further along (overall) than we are, but that’s why you have preseason,” Neidell said. “That’s what preseason is all about.

“We had a tough time with the field spatially tonight partly because we haven’t gone 11 vs. 11 because we haven’t had the numbers (in practice).”

The Lady Toppers will play a second exhibition Sunday against the Lady Tigers of Memphis. The game is scheduled at 1 p.m. at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis, Tenn.

The regular season will start Friday, Aug. 17 against Evansville. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the WKU Soccer Complex.