INDIANAPOLIS – The most challenging portion of the Missouri Baptist University women's soccer schedule continued Saturday as the Spartans trekked to Indianapolis for a meeting with No. 4-ranked Marian University. The tilt marked the second consecutive Top 10 opponent the Spartans have faced and part of a stretch that includes four Top 25 opponents in five matches. MBU more than held its own against the 2022 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship runner-up but couldn't find the back of the net in a close 1-0 loss.
 
No. 4 Marian remains undefeated on the year, moving to 6-0-1, while the Spartans dropped to 1-4 overall and have been held scoreless in three straight contests. The last MBU goal came in the 82^nd minute of the 3-0 victory at Oklahoma City on Aug. 26.
 
Both teams had their fair share of possession in the first half, and the Spartans didn't waste any time making their move. Following a Maddie Mrazik corner in the second minute, freshman Gabbie Wood delivered MBU's first shot on goal that MU goalkeeper Mycheala Johnson pulled in.
 
The Knights attacked in the 16^th minute, firing off four shots in a three-minute span. MBU held strong and came out unscathed. Then, it was the Spartans' turn, rattling off two shots on goal from Skylar Hollingshead and Morgan Hollenbeck in the 27^th and 36^th minutes.
 
Despite Marian taking an 8-4 shot advantage into halftime, MBU matched the Knights in scoring opportunities as both teams each registered three shots on target in the first 45 minutes of play.
 
The fourth-ranked Knights controlled the stat sheet coming out of halftime and kept MoBap keeper Gabby Mattli busy. Mattli made three saves in the first 10 minutes of the second half and a fourth in the 63^rd minute.
 
It wasn't until the 65^th minute that MBU took its first shot attempt of the second half. Skylar Hollingshead ripped off back-to-back shots, both of which were blocked by the MU defense.
 
Deadlocked at nil-nil for 68 minutes, Marian finally got over the hump. Just a minute after a Knights shot hit the crossbar and a second one was blocked out of the box, No. 4 Marian struck pay dirt. MU's Naomi Walters' shot on goal bounced off the hands of Mattli for a save but was quickly punched in by Kaitlyn Lavezzi, who was waiting to pounce on the rebound.
 
One goal was all Marian needed in the 1-0 shutout. MBU proved it is right on the cusp, battling all 90 minutes with the fourth-ranked Knights. The Spartan defense held Marian two goals under its season average (3.33 goals/game).
 
Forward Skylar Hollingshead led the Spartans with five shots and two on target. In goal, Gabby Mattli recorded a match-high eight saves.
 
After taking their show on the road for five matches to open the 2023 season, the Spartans' home opener has finally arrived. Missouri Baptist hosts an undefeated Clarke University squad (4-0-2) on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 4:30 p.m.