ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis held the nation’s No. 2 scoring team in check for most of the afternoon, but a goal in the 51st minute allowed Dayton to post a 1-0 Atlantic 10 Conference victory over the Billikens Sunday afternoon at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

Dayton (9-4, 3-1 A-10) came in averaging 3.3 goals per game but could not dent the scoreboard in the opening half. The Flyers tallied the game’s only goal at the 50:38 mark as Ashley Campbell, assisted by Haley Keller’s corner-kick service, delivered a header into the net from close range for her seventh goal of the season.

The Billikens (3-6-3, 1-1-1 A-10) almost scored the equalizer deep into the contest, but Maddie Gebauer’s shot at the 87:11 mark hit the goalpost and trickled away.

Katie Walsh made five saves for Saint Louis.

“We came out a little hesitant, but when we actually played, we created opportunities and got shots,” head coach Kat Mertz said. “Unfortunately, it was a little too late.

“One thing we learned is that we can play with anybody in the conference,” Mertz said. “Obviously, Dayton is a good side with some special players. This game has to prove to us that we can move forward and play with any team in the A-10. So, some good things to bounce off as we continue conference play.”

The Billikens play A-10 newcomer VCU in Richmond, Va., Friday, Oct. 12. Game time is 6 p.m. (CT).