CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – William Woods (1-4-1, 0-2-1 HAAC) came up just short in a back-and-forth battle at Mount Mercy (4-1-2, 2-0-1 HAAC), falling 3-2 in a thrilling conference matchup.

Coming off a draw with Baker University, the Owls struck first in the 30th minute when Bri Reynolds found the net off a cross from senior Tess Roberts. The lead was short-lived, though, as Mount Mercy responded just 22 seconds later to tie it up. The score remained 1-1 at halftime, with Woods being outshot 8-3. Keeper Zoe Hargis made two first-half saves to keep things level.

In the 56th minute, Charley Luczak gave the Owls a 2-1 advantage with her first career goal, set up by Roberts for her second assist of the day. Once again, Mount Mercy answered immediately, scoring just 23 seconds later to even the match.

Hargis came up big with two more saves to hold off the Mustang attack, but Mount Mercy pulled ahead in the 73rd minute when Orla Humphrey converted a penalty kick that just slipped past the Woods keeper.

Both sides created late chances, but neither could capitalize. Hargis and Mount Mercy goalkeeper Manuela Gutierrez each made two key saves in the closing minutes as the Mustangs held on for the win, keeping the Owls in search of their first conference victory of the season.

William Woods returns home to face former AMC foe Missouri Baptist on Wednesday night in their first conference meeting since both programs joined the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Fulton.