COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer (11-9-1) saw its season come to end on Thursday with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of No. 26 Columbia College (18-3) in the AMC Championship game.
 
In a matchup of the AMC's two best defensive teams, scoring opportunities were coveted. As they've done in nearly every game all season, Columbia made the most of their chances and took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. AMC Player of the Year Kelsey Mirts converted after a give-and-go with teammate Molly Klein for the game's opening goal.
 
The Spartans managed just one shot attempt (which was blocked before it reached the goalkeeper) in the first half against CC's brick wall defensive line. It did not improve much in the second half in terms of shots on goal but MBU was at least able to create a few more chances. The best of the day was an opportunity by freshman Madi Dunahue who was able to spin to her preferred left foot and get a shot off from the top of the penalty area. It sailed just wide though and the shutout continued.
 
The Cougars essentially put the game out of reach in the 58^th minute when a shot from distance by defender Allison Floyd handcuffed MBU keeper Jemica Artillaga. The Spartans could not overturn the 2-0 deficit in the final half hour and the home side celebrated its fifth straight AMC Tournament title.
 
Missouri Baptist may have had its program-record 10-game winning streak snapped but it was still a successful season for a squad that started 0-7. Under Head Coach Deno Merrick, the Spartans have now won 10+ games in four straight seasons.
 
After the match, six Spartans were named to the All-Conference team. Jackie Hagan, Allie Heinz, and Maddie Mrazik were named to the First Team while Jemica Artillaga, Nicole Talley, and Madi Dunahue made the Honorable Mention list.