Eastridge opened the scoring in the 36th minute after Cassandra Willhite played a perfect ball into space. The senior sidestepped Saints' keeper Taylor Hill and calmly slotted home to put the Spartans ahead 1-0.
The lead stood until just under 90 seconds remained in the first half. Saints' freshman, Halie Curtiss found space at the top of the MBU box and one-timed a shot past goalkeeper Alex Lair to tie the game.
The action came fast and furious after the halftime break. Eastridge's second goal of the game reestablished the Spartan in the 49th minute. The Saints responded once again, this time by way of a rocket off the foot of forward Samantha Bartelotti. That tied the game in the 51st minute.
Siena Heights controlled the play from that point forward but Alex Lair held down the fort for MBU. The senior would finish the match with eight saves.
The Spartans finally hit on the counter-attack in the 85th minute. Danielle Wilde sent a through ball into space and Eastridge won a footrace with the Saints' defender. One on one with the keeper, Eastridge cut to her left and found the bottom corner of the net to complete the treble. The Spartans held on from there for a 3-2 victory.
Missouri Baptist improves to 1-0 while Siena Heights fell to 0-1. The Spartans' next match will be Wednesday, August 30 away to Culver-Stockton. They return home on Labor Day, September 4, against No. 14 Martin Methodist.
