(FULTON, Mo, Sept. 25)--The William Woods University women's soccer team dropped an American Midwest Conference match to visiting Missouri Baptist University on Firley Field Saturday. The Spartans defeated the Owls 3-1.

William Woods could not convert on its scoring opportunities early in the match. The Owls had eight shots through the first 45 minutes of play. None found the back of the net.

Missouri Baptist scored the first goal of the match in the 39th minute on a goal from Christina Burton. They added a second goal three minutes later to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

The Owls cut the lead in half on a goal by junior Kristen Pelley (St. Peters, Mo.). The Owls were fouled attempting to make a run through the top of the box. Pelley took the free kick from about five yards outside the box. She sent her shot over the top of five Spartans and past the MBU goalie. It was the fifth goal of the season for Pelley.

The Owls continued the offensive pressure throughout the half. William Woods continued to throw numbers forward in an attempt to tie the match. Senior Katie Klingemann (St. Louis, Mo.) made the defensive play of the night for the Owls late in the second half. MBU's Lauren Clinton took a pass inside the box and maneuvered around WWU goalie Anna Hatfield. It looked like an easy goal for Clinton. Klingemann raced in from the opposite wing and made a sliding deflection to keep the deficit at one goal.

In the 84th minute, with the Owls continuing to push numbers forward, Burton was able to get behind the Owls defense and scored the final goal of the match.

Missouri Baptist had 17 shots on the night; six on goal. William Woods had 16 shots; eight of which were on goal.

Missouri Baptist improves to 2-4 on the season, 1-1 in the AMC. William Woods falls to 4-4 on the year, 1-2 in league play.

The Owls will return to action on October 2. They will travel to AMC rival Hannibal-LaGrange College for a 1:30 pm kick-off in Hannibal, Mo. The Owls defeated the Trojans 4-2 early this season.