ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University hosted No. 7 Marian University on Monday morning but fell to the unbeaten Knights, 2-0. The loss ended the Spartans' (3-0-1) undefeated streak this season.
The two squads started the game on even playing fields both being 3-0-1 entering the match. The Spartans were unable to find the back of the net in the defeat and drop to 3-1-1 on the year. Meanwhile, Marian continues their unbeaten streak in the regular season at 4-0-1.
Erin Oleksak scored Marian's first goal in the 31st minute, but that didn't stop the Spartan defense from fighting back. The ball swayed back and forth the rest of the first half. Missouri Baptist goalkeeper Hanna Harrison totaled three saves in the first as the Spartans trailed 1-0 at halftime.
In the 83rd minute, the Knights were fortunate to score another goal off a throw-in that found its way to the middle of the field and kicked in by Lindsey Stoughton. The ball managed to slide past the defense where Harrison's diving save was unsuccessful.
Marian controlled possession throughout as the Spartans recorded very few shots. MBU ended the game with only one shot attempt, while Marian dominated the Spartan box with 16 shots (7 SOG).
Harrison had five saves in the game rescuing the Spartans from any more drawback from the Knights.
Missouri Baptist will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 8 at home in its second straight game against a Top 10 opponent. The Spartans host No. 3-ranked Central Methodist University with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
