Despite playing even in the first half the Emery Lady Spartans suffered a lopsided 7-1 setback to the Manti Templars at home in the Region 15 opener Thursday afternoon.

Entering league action with a 2-3-1 record, the Lady Spartans gave the defending region champions all they could handle in the opening half. Jocee Funk’s early goal tied the score 1-1 going into the break. Manti responded well and eventually ran away with the game in the final stretch.

Jamie Bawden, Lexie Alder and Meg Larson all scored two goals for the Templars. Karli Arnoldson scored the seventh. The win improves Manti to 2-0 in Region 15 play, with the two victories coming 15-1 in combined score.

With the loss the Spartans join North Sevier as the only two teams without a win in the five team region. Gunnison is currently 1-1 following a win over North Sevier and a loss to Manti. Grand is 1-0, also defeating North Sevier.

The Lady Spartans will have an opportunity to get back on the winning track when they return to the field on Tuesday as they travel to Moab to meet the Red Devils. Tuesday’s contest will be the first of three straight games on the road.