JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State was edged by No. 24 Pittsburg State University 2-1 on Wednesday at Hal Bodon Field, despite recording 11 saves.
Southern holds a record of 2-13-3 overall and 0-10-2 in conference play. Pittsburg State stands at 14-2-2 overall and 9-1-2 in conference play.
Bella Smith recorded 11 saves in the match, facing 23 shots on target.
Kennedy Williams scored one goal, making the most of her single shot on goal.
Nathalia Luiz contributed with an assist, marking the team's only assist in the match.
The match opened with Missouri Southern establishing a strong defensive stance, with Smith making multiple key saves to keep Pittsburg State from converting their opportunities. Smith turned away several shots on goal, demonstrating her reliability in front of the net.
Zemira Dube generated a notable offensive chance for Southern with a shot on target in the 33rd minute, but Pittsburg State's goalkeeper Jocelyn Kramar was equal to the task.
The period concluded with a tense moment as
Jordan Bell received a red card in the 43rd minute, leaving the Lions with 10 players on the field. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the team managed to maintain a scoreless draw as the half came to a close, with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
The second period began with Pittsburg State applying pressure, earning a corner kick in the 47th minute. MSSU's defense, led by goalkeeper Smith, was tested frequently but managed to hold off multiple attempts, including a key save on a shot from Carrie Cunningham at the 60th minute.
Pittsburg State took the lead with a penalty kick goal by Mia Hunt in the 75th minute, and shortly after, Shayla Hunt doubled the Gorillas' advantage with a goal at the 80th minute. Despite being down two players due to a red card issued to
Kortney Davis, the Lions quickly responded in the 82nd minute when Williams scored, assisted by Luiz, closing the gap to 2-1.
The match concluded with Missouri Southern trailing by one, as they were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle, ending the period with a 2-1 deficit.
