CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Southern Bucs struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities and visiting Mercer scored once in each half to hand CSU a 2-0 loss on Saturday afternoon at the CSU Soccer Field.

The loss is CSU first of the season as it moves to 1-1 on the year, while Mercer improves to 2-2.

Charleston Southern was outshot 13-7 by the Bears, but couldn't put the pressure on Bears' keeper Maggie Cropp when it had the opportunity.

"We had four or five point blank opportunities and couldn't get them on frame," CSU head coach Eric Terrill said after the match. "We have a lot of young players, and to finish and keep balls out of the back of the net, you have to start showing some maturity. My coaching challenge this year is to get this team to be as mature as possible before the conference season starts."

Cropp picks up her second shutout of the season in the win. She had three saves.

Mercer got things started with a goal from Brianna Stamper in the 18th minute. Stamper took a feed from Nadja Kolliesuah at the top of the box and beat CSU keeper Caitlin Cody for the first goal of the game.

Mercer led 1-0 at the half, before extending its lead in the second.

Charleston Southern had an early chance in the second half as a header from Chelsea Frankeney sailed just over the bar in what would have been the equalizer.

"We knew they were going to be a really good team," "They're a more mature, physical team. Coming in today, I knew we could potentially have our hands full with a more veteran team. We saw them play South Carolina on Thursday night and they fought them throughout."

Kolliesuah beat a defender at the top of the box minutes later and fired a shot off the top of the post as both teams began to find scoring opportunities.

The Bears capitalized on a free kick in the 63rd minute Lauren Gassie found Danielle Hesse on the back post for the second goal of the match. Hesse came streaking in and laced home a header to make it 2-0 Mercer.

Charleston Southern returns to action on Friday, Aug. 31 against College of Charleston. The match begins at 4 p.m. at the CSU Soccer Field.