ST. LOUIS – Looking to break a recent two-game losing streak the Missouri Baptist University Women's soccer team was looking for success in their matchup Wednesday with Harris-Stowe State University. Instead, what they discovered was just how hard it is to play catchup when you are down two players. The Spartans lost to the Spartans 6-2.
 
Both Morgan Hollenbeck and Jamie Theusch were sent off in the second half for each receiving two yellow cards in the match. In all, the Spartans were carded five times while the Hornets were not booked.
 
HSSU scored twice in the opening 34 minutes to take a 2-0 lead but following the second goal the Spartans answered back quickly. Freshman Gabbie Wood made a nice run down the right side and sent a cross into the box. Running onto it perfectly was Emma Selsor as she was able to get a head on it and send it on frame with some speed. The ball easily beat the Hornets keeper and cut the lead in half at 2-1. That's how the opening half would end.
 
The Hornets opened the scoring in the second half with a goal in the 53^rd minute to extend the lead back to two at 3-1. It appeared all hope would be lost as Hollenbeck and Theusch were both sent off within the next six minutes following that goal.
 
Despite needing to play the rest of the match with nine players, Spartan senior Skylar Hollingshead had other ideas though. She practically single handedly willed her way through the right side of the Hornets defense then fired a low shot into the net to get the Spartans back to trailing 3-2. It's as close as the Spartans would get though.
 
HSSU scored two goals in one minute and eight seconds to extend the lead, then capped off the scoring with a penalty kick goal in the 85^th minute for the 6-2 victory.
 
The Spartans were outshot 13 to eight, including an eight to three deficit in shots on goal.
 
Starting in place of Gabby Mattli, Jordyn Maryas got the start and was tagged with the loss.
 
The Spartans are now 2-10 on the season, with a 1-2 record in the American Midwest Conference. MBU will finish out the regular season with four consecutive AMC opponents, starting with William Woods University on Saturday at Spartan Field. MBU will play three of its last four regular season games at home, where they currently sport a 1-4 record.