ST. LOUIS, Mo.- After falling in five of their last six games, the Missouri Baptist women's soccer team put on an offensive showcase led by forward Kristen Neal, as MBU defeated Harris-Stowe 8-2.

The scoring started early and often for the Spartans in the first half. MBU scored five goals on 26 shots in the first 45:00 minutes, without the Hornets rarely getting past mid-field. Brieanna Nickles got the team on the board quick, with a goal that sneaked inside the right post at the 2:13 minute mark for the 1-0 lead.

The Hornets, however, evened the score just as fast, as Zoey Flaxbeard got behind the Spartan defense with her speed and took a shot at MBU goalie Elizabeth Kahn. The freshman couldn't hang on to the ball, as it trickled right behind her crossing the goal line tying the game at 1-1. Missouri Baptist continued the offensive pressure after that goal and picked up their play on defense as well, cutting off Flaxbeard before she could use her speed.

In the 10^th minute, the Spartans caught a break when a cross by Nickles went off a Hornet players leg and into the net, giving MBU the 2-1 lead. Then, Kristen Neal had herself a day in a span of 2:00 minutes, as the Wood River, Ill native scored three goals in that time frame, giving her six on the season and the team a commanding 5-1 lead at the half.

Coach Deno Merrick was pleased with Neal's play at the forward spot, as the freshman hadn't scored a goal in a month. "Kristen allowed the game to come to her movement up front and her quality of play showed today in helping us get a victory." said Merrick.

In the second half, the offensive frenzy continued as Carly Hampel kicked in her third goal on the season in the 55^th minute. The pressure continued to be put on by Missouri Baptist, as the Hornets couldn't keep possession of the ball long enough to get their offense going.

In the 69^th minute, Megan Huffman used her speed and ball skill to slide by the Hornet defense, scoring her team leading seventh goal on the season, to make it 7-1. Even though down six goals, Harris-Stowe continued to battle and it was Flaxbeard again getting behind the MBU defense scoring her fourth goal on the year, cutting the lead down to five goals.

Alexis Baez added one more goal in the 75^th minute to make it a final 8-2 victory. In those last six games, the Spartans scored just for goals, so getting the offense going was important to Coach Merrick. "It was very important for the women's team to get some offensive sharpness back today. We had a hard time lately with finishing and we lost confidence. The win and the manner in which we won was pleasing." said Merrick.

The Spartans move their record to 5-11-1 and will be back in action on Thursday at home against Benedictine-Springfield. Kick off will start at 2:00 p.m.