WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – The Missouri Baptist University women's basketball team opened its season with a loss to Williams Baptist University, falling 89–62 on Tuesday afternoon. The Spartans continued to press on offense, but the Eagles remained consistent in capitalizing on their possessions. 

Senior forward Riley Jansen led the Spartans with a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Junior Jenna Plymale added 10 points off the bench, while Rebecca Fraley and Abigail Williams each contributed eight. 

MBU found its rhythm in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 19–16 in the fourth quarter and improving its shooting to 41% in the final period. The Spartans finished the game shooting 34% from the field and 73% from the free-throw line, while collecting 48 rebounds. 

Despite the late push, the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Williams Baptist built a 23–9 lead after the first quarter and maintained control behind Taylyn Davis' 24 points and Chelsea Hamilton's 15. 

The Spartans are set to face the University of Missouri–Kansas City on Friday at 6 p.m. in Kansas City, Mo., for another tough matchup.