ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer (8-3-2) delivered a gritty 2-1 win Wednesday night against Harris-Stowe State University (8-2-1, 2-1 AMC). The Spartans were tested during throughout the match, but came out on top and avenged last year's 2-1 double overtime loss at HSSU. Improving to 4-0 in the AMC, Missouri Baptist took sole possession of first place in the AMC standings and sets the stage for a big-time matchup on Saturday at No. 13 Columbia College (8-3-1, 3-0 AMC).

Wednesday's battle between two of the top teams in the AMC lived up to its billing as MBU and HSSU played even for most of the night.

In the sixth minute, MoBap got on the board first and was blessed by an own goal by the Hornets. After a HSSU throw in, the Spartans gained control of the ball with freshman Emma Selsor pushing it forward to Madi Dunahue at the edge of the Hornets' box. Originally looking to cross into the middle to Mara George, Dunahue's cross was intercepted by HSSU's Annika Fischer, who accidentally tapped the ball past the Hornets' goalkeeper for an own goal.

MBU's lead was short lived as Harris-Stowe scored an equalizer 12 minutes later. HSSU sophomore Mary Grace Angeli was on the receiving end of a long ball misplayed by Spartan centerback Brianna Merchant. With no backup from the MBU defense, Angeli had a 1-on-1 opportunity with Hanna Harrison and went low to the near corner out of Harrison's reach to square up the game at 1-1.

The score stayed tied into the second half but only until the Spartans earned a corner kick in the 54^th minute. Midfielder Jordyn Besserman took the routine corner and placed it perfectly to Mara George for a header goal and her team-leading sixth goal of the year.

Harris-Stowe pushed back and was on the offensive the remainder of the game, however, the Spartans fended off several late attempts to safely secure the win.

The final shot count was 14-12 in favor of the visiting Hornets. Goalkeeper Hanna Harrison made five saves in the game.