OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Missouri Baptist Women's Soccer went toe-to-toe with a William Penn squad that currently sits at fifth in the Heart of America Athletic Conference standings.
It was the Statesmen that would jump out to an early lead in the ultimately competitive match. WPU needed just over six minutes for Sian Bah to score a goal on the team's first attempt.
Play would go on for 22 minutes before Missouri Baptist was able to respond. It would be Sydney Hallenberg that found the back of the net, the first goal of her career, off the pass from Anna White.
Each group would only take one more shot during the remainder of the period, entering the locker rooms even at 1-1.
The second half would take much longer to witness action. The Spartans were the aggressors, creating opportunities through corner kicks from Kate Jose and Gracie Black, although being unable to convert.
William Penn was held without a shot through the 78th minute, when Poppy Alderson put the Statesmen back on top with their second score.
Now with time running out, Missouri Baptist was forced to find an equalizer. Entering the 90th minute, the Spartans would turn to junior wing forward Emily Cremer who, off the assist from Jose, nailed a shot past the opposing keeper, tying the score at 2-2. No team would score again, resulting in a hard fought draw.
Cremer's goal and the assists from White and Jose' were the first points for each player this season. Jordyn Maryas again spent 90 minutes in goal, saving four shots and helping to keep the score even.
MBU Women's Soccer faces a tough road of three consecutive ranked opponents ahead, the first of which is No. 8 MidAmerica Nazarene, the opponent for the squad's 2026 homecoming match on Saturday, Sept. 26th at 10 a.m.
