LEBANON, Tenn. - Despite Jordyn Besserman's first-half goal and an early lead for the Spartans, No. 15 Cumberland University surpassed Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer, 3-1. Cumberland's aggressiveness translated to the bulk of possession in Wednesday's contest as the Phoenix held a 27-5 shot advantage and put 10 shots on goal. Though MBU suffered its third straight setback to a Top 15 opponent, the Spartans showed they could hang with another of the NAIA's elite, improving on last year's meeting that resulted in a 7-1 loss at Spartan Field.
The start of the match could not have been better for the Spartans. MBU's defense pushed back on the Phoenix forwards and sent the ball downfield for Morgan Hollenbeck to settle the ball. Cumberland made a swift steal and played a pass back, where Jordyn Besserman intercepted the ball. Besserman went upper right with the shot and found the back of the net in less than 90 seconds (1:24).
That was, unfortunately, where most of the positives ended for the away side. Cumberland tied the game in the 31st minute. They took the lead in the 77th minute and extended it to 3-1 eight minutes after.
Goalkeeper Maria Kristensen made her season debut and saved five shots from the Phoenix. Following a minor injury in the second half, Lindzey Morrison spelled Kristensen and logged two quality saves while giving up one of CU's three goals.
The Spartans remain on the road in Tennessee to face Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn. On Saturday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m.
