ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist women's soccer needed a lift after a rough first half, and Taylor Giese provided just that in the American Midwest Conference Tournament Semifinal on Monday afternoon. Giese posted the game winner, just minutes into the second half and netted an insurance goal minutes later to lead the Spartans to a 4-1 win and a trip to the Conference Championship Match.
Missouri Baptist (11-5-4, 9-1-1 AMC) struggled offensively in the first half as the Pirates struck first blood. Park University's Gabi Severns fired a shot from about 40 feet out that deflected off the bottom of the crossbar and across the goal line to net the one and only goal for the Pirates.
MBU started to put things together late in the second half, thanks to sound transition play. Jamie Moralesflew down the far sideline and found Donna Jolliff to net the equalizer, which tied the game at one a piece. It was Jolliff's fourth goal in two games.
The Spartans came back from the half with increased intensity in the offensive zone. Taylor Giese found herself in the right position just two minutes into the half as Donna Jolliff fed Geise the game winning goal to put MBU up 2-1. The junior transfer from St. Louis Community College didn't stop there. Two minutes later Heather Schneider sent the ball back Taylor Giese's direction to score an insurance goal for Missouri Baptist to make it a commanding 3-1 lead.
The Spartans continued to press for another goal as Argell London found her way through the Park defense. London forced the fourth goal for Missouri Baptist into the back of the net in the 81st minute to increase the lead to 4-1.
Kathryn Kessler held her ground in the Spartan net the entirety of the game. The Spartan keeper made two brilliant saves in the second half to preserve the lead.
Missouri Baptist will advance to the AMC Tournament Championship set to be held on Thursday as the team will battle William Woods for the conference crown. The Owls upset the No. 1-ranked Columbia College Cougars on Monday evening to set-up a match with the Conference Title, and the NAIA National Championship Opening Round Berth on the line. As the Spartans are the highest seed remaining, they will host the Championship Match on Thursday at St. Louis Soccer Park. The game time will be announced on Tuesday and the match will be broadcast live on the Spartan Digital Network and the AMC Sports Network.
