By Cort Reynolds
Visiting Ada lost at defending league champion Spencerville 4-0 in the Northwest Conference opener Tuesday night.

Ada fell to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the NWC after the defeat, while Spencerville improved to 2-0 and 1-0 in league play with the win.

"We played very lethargic the entire game," said Ada head coach Doug Poling. "Even with our poor first half play we were able to hold them scoreless."

After the teams battled to a 0-0 tie at halftime, the Bearcats tallied in the first five minutes of half two to take a 1-0 lead.

"We had a great chance to tie it up minutes later, but were unable to capitalize," said Poling. "From there on it was all downhill."

Spencerville scored three more times on through balls that ended up in one-on-one situations against keeper Kenzie Long.

Ada put 16 shots on goal compared to 19 by the Bearcats. Long made 15 saves in goal.

"Overall possession of the ball was pretty even," Poling said. "Very disappointing."

Ada visits Bluffton (0-2-1, 0-0 NWC) Thursday, August 29 at 5 p.m. The Lady Pirates tied Van Buren 2-2 Tuesday.