MARSHALL, Mo. – Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer fell to 0-3 after a defeat to Missouri Valley on Tuesday night.
 
The Spartans had the better of the play in the first 15 minutes with close calls coming from Madi Dunahue and Jackie Hagan. Hagan's shot in the 12^th minute was particularly troublesome for Vikings' goalkeeper Marina Barneda. The senior put an attempt on goal from long range, near the far sideline, and forced Barneda to dive backwards to prevent it from sneaking under the crossbar.
 
Jemica Artillaga once again made the start in goal for MBU and had to be on her game for a loaded Missouri Valley squad. After making five saves in the first half, Artillaga started the second half with a diving stop to keep the game scoreless.
 
A few minutes later, however, the Vikings finally found the breakthrough. Artillaga was able to punch away a corner but not completely out of danger. The ball bounced around for a moment before Vanessa Castillo got a foot on it and poked it home for MVC. The home side led 1-0 after 48 minutes.
 
Missouri Valley sensed blood in the water and followed the opener with two more goals, one in the 61^st minute and another in the 68^th.
 
The night, and maybe the season so far, was summed up for the Spartans in the 84^th minute. Riley Janvrin played a perfect through-ball for Miranda Pratt and the sophomore ran onto it for a breakaway. Pratt, however, was stoned with a great save from Barneda once again and the scoreless streak persisted.
 
The match would finish with a 3-0 score line. Artillaga made a career-high 11 saves for MBU. Barneda only needed four saves, none of which came easy for the Vikings' keeper.
 
Missouri Baptist will return home to face Graceland (Iowa) on Friday at 10 am. That match will be played at Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in St. Peters. From there, they'll go immediately back on the road to take on Marian in Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon.