ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University Women's Soccer carves their first notch in the win column after outlasting Ottawa University 1-0.
The Spartans rebounded well after a difficult loss in the season opener, putting pressure on the Brave keeper from the beginning. In just the third minute, Jersey Moonier had attempted the first of what would be 13 shots for MBU.
Such constant pressure would quickly pay off. Controlling possession deep in Ottawa territory during the 31st minute, Lillian Coleman found a wide-open Gracie Beckemeier inside the box. With room to spare, Beckemeier tapped the ball into the net, scoring what would be goal number one of the season and her young career.
"I feel very happy because I have to work for my playing time and it feels very good as a freshman to get that goal, and it makes me feel proud of myself," Beckemeier said about the game-winning goal. "And I am very happy because we had a lot of opportunities, and I was able to score on one."
For the remaining 60 minutes, both teams pushed the envelope, but neither could capitalize. In the end, the Spartans were able to hold off the Braves for their first win of the season.
Jordyn Maryas spent the entire match in goal for Missouri Baptist. The senior tallied six instrumental saves, including a game-sealer in a one-on-one situation with an Ottawa forward late in the contest.
"It is something to build on," Head Coach Deno Merrick said about the win. "I think we got good moments from a lot of good players. The young players stepped up, Gracie Beckemeier with her first goal, and I think overall our work was extremely good. I don't think our level dropped as much as it did in the previous game so it is something to build on. Defensively, I believe we were solid. We didn't give up many chances, which is a good thing, and a clean sheet always wins games."
Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer returns to action at Spartan Field on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a matchup with Brescia University at 7 p.m.
