INDIANAPOLIS — Missouri Baptist University women's lacrosse battled until the final moments Wednesday evening but ultimately fell just short in a 9–8 road loss to Marian University. The Spartans kept the contest tight throughout, trading momentum with the Knights and mounting a late push in the fourth quarter before time expired.

Delaney Pechnik led Missouri Baptist offensively, finishing with three goals on six shots while also controlling nine draws to help the Spartans maintain possession throughout the game. Sophia Rose added two goals, while Skyler Morrissey contributed a goal and two assists to pace the Spartan attack. Marissa Oldham also recorded a three-point outing with a goal and two assists.

MBU struck first when Pechnik found the back of the net early in the opening quarter, but Marian responded with a quick run to take a 3–2 lead after the first period. The Spartans tied the game early in the second quarter on a goal from Rose, assisted by Morrissey, before the Knights answered with two late scores to carry a 5–3 advantage into halftime.

The Spartans showed resilience in the third quarter. Oldham's man-up goal cut the deficit to one, and later in the period Morrissey and Rose scored back-to-back to even the game at 6–6 heading into the final frame.

Marian regained control early in the fourth quarter, scoring three goals to build a 9–6 lead with just over five minutes remaining. Missouri Baptist refused to go away, however, as Pechnik scored off a pass from Madison Terrell to trim the deficit. JaíHyghness Ward then buried a late goal with 1:33 remaining to bring the Spartans within one.

Despite the late surge, the Spartans were unable to complete the comeback as Marian held on for the one-goal victory. Rachel Livak anchored the Spartan defense with a strong performance in goal, recording 14 saves to keep Missouri Baptist within striking distance throughout the contest.

The Spartans will look to bounce back Saturday against Indiana Tech. Face-off is set for 4 p.m.