WEATHERFORD, Okla. — Three Lions netted goals but it wasn't enough as Missouri Southern soccer (2-2-0) fell to Southwestern Oklahoma State University (4-0-0), 5-3, Sunday at the SWOSU Athletic Complex.
MSSU now holds an overall record of 2-2-0 while Southwestern Oklahoma remains undefeated with a 4-0-0 marked.
Ashten Holloway,
Daniela Marquez and
Presley Whitmire each scored for Missouri Southern in the non-conference matchup.
Whitmire led the team with five shots, including two on goal. She notched her career-best matching second goal of the season Sunday.
Marquez has now scored goals in back-to-back contests this week.
Chloe Kondracki and
Talia Sanders each contributed two assists Sunday.
Bella Smith recorded seven saves in goal, facing 24 shots throughout the match.
The first half saw Missouri Southern engage in a competitive battle against SWOSU. Despite an early goal by Southwestern Oklahoma in the sixth minute, the Lions equalized in the 34th minute when Holloway found the back of the net, assisted by Sanders and Kondracki.
However, the Bulldogs regained the lead shortly after, as Brekyn Cope scored in the 35th minute, ending the half with a 2-1 advantage for Southwestern Oklahoma. Smith made key saves throughout, including a shot from Saoirse Hourigan at the 22-minute mark, showcasing her defensive presence.
The second half began with SWOSU extending its lead to 3-1 early, as Kayla Abbott scored in the 50th minute. Missouri Southern responded tenaciously, with Marquez finding the net in the 58th minute, assisted by
Angelina Mendez and Sanders. The Lions drew level at 3-3 shortly after, thanks to a goal by Whitmire in the 62nd minute, assisted by Kondracki.
Despite the Lions' efforts, the Bulldogs regained control with goals from Raniya Cattina and a penalty from Hourigan, sealing a 5-3 victory.
Missouri Southern next returns home to face Oklahoma Baptist University Wednesday evening at Hal Bodon Field in Joplin, Missouri. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., CT.
