BOLIVAR, Mo. —
Talia Sanders scored in her Missouri Southern Soccer debut, but it wasn't enough as the Lions fell to Southwest Baptist, 3-1, Thursday at SBU Soccer Field.
With the season-opening loss, MSSU moves to 0-1-0 while SBU is now 1-0-0.
Sanders, a transfer from Northeast Community College, needed just one shot to net her first career goal at Southern, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the 49th minute of play Thursday.
Presley Whitmire was active offensively, leading the team with four shots, three of which were on goal (career-high).
Mara Becker was the only Lion field player to compete in all 90 minutes Thursday.
The first half began with a tense atmosphere as the Lions sought to establish control but were met with a staunch defense from Southwest Baptist. Early attempts by Whitmire in the seventh and 37th minutes were thwarted by the opposing goalie, Cece Alexander.
Despite efforts from
Jilliana Reese and
Clarissa Davis, the team trailed by two at halftime following goals from Tamerra Gantt in the 11th and 44th minutes.
Bella Smith contributed with several key saves to keep the Lions within reach as the half concluded.
The second half began with the Lions making an immediate impact, as Sanders found the back of the net in the 49th minute to narrow the deficit. Shortly after, Southwest Baptist responded with a goal by Gantt (her third of the day) in the 51st minute, regaining its two-goal advantage.
Despite multiple attempts by the Lions, including a shot by
Chloe Kondracki in the 87th minute, the game ended with a 3-1 victory for the Bearcats.
Smith recorded five saves against 16 shots faced.
SBU held a 16-9 (8-5 shots on goal) shots advantage.
The Lions next face Rockhurst University in their home opener Sunday at Hal Bodon Field. First kick is set for 2 p.m., CT. MSSU will honor the careers of seniors
Nathalia Luiz,
Olivia Riggs,
Abigail Pasternak, and
Jordan Bell prior to the game as part of Senior Day 2025.
