FULTON, Mo. — Backed by a hat trick from Skylar Hollingshead, The Missouri Baptist University women's soccer team displayed an excellent performance against William Woods University, beating the Owls 3-1 today (Oct. 29). 

Being similarly matched in talent, the Spartans and Owls took turns shooting and blocking shots for a large portion of the first half until Hollingshead broke the tension with a goal. 

After this goal, the Spartans shifted into another gear, playing with even more aggression and hunger for the ball. 

With about three minutes left in the first half, Hollingshead netted her second goal of the match. 

The Owls wanted revenge going into the second half, scoring within four minutes of the start. This did not set back the Spartans, though. 

Goalkeeper Gabby Mattli made a total of six saves throughout the match, three of them being in the second half. The Spartan defense also made a couple impressive blocks. 

Eventually, with just over two minutes left in the match, Hollingshead scored her third and final goal to seal WWU's fate. 

Other key offensive players in this match included:

Kacey Watson — 1 SH; 1 SOG

Paige Rice — 2 SH; 1 SOG

Rachael Beer — 2 SH

MBU will play again in St. Louis on Saturday (Nov. 2) against the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in the last regular conference game of the season. This game will determine the final American Midwest Conference standings before going into post-season play.