DENTON, Texas – The Midwestern State women's soccer team could not overcome two first half goals by Texas Woman's as the Mustangs dropped their Lone Star Conference opener 2-1 Friday night at TWU Soccer Field.

"We came out a little flat," said head coach Damian Clarke. "We found ourselves late in the game, just a little too late. The kids fought hard and found the right attitude. We just have to be a little less emotional and start the half the way we ended. We'll move on from this and get better from it going into Sunday."

The Pioneers (5-2-1, 1-0-0 LSC) struck in the first minute with a score from senior defender Madison Purdy. A corner kick by senior forward Natalia Diaz landed in the middle of the six-yard box, causing a scramble before Purdy got her foot on it from the far post and delivered the ball into the left corner of the net.

The Mustangs (3-2-1, 0-1-0 LSC) evened the contest with an own goal in the 25th minute. After a corner kick by redshirt senior defender Carina Dunnahoo, a fight for possession resulted in the ball going off the fingertips of a TWU defender and senior goalkeeper Ariana Morrison and into the net for a 1-1 match midway through the first half.

The even score didn't last long as the Pioneers regained the lead in the 36th minute with a goal by freshman forward Brittany Jones. After a clearance by the MSU defense, Jones took control of the ball and sent it just above the outstretched hands of sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Burnette for a 2-1 advantage.

The Mustangs were able to control possession a majority of the first period and into the second half, attacking the TWU defense and pushing for an equalizer late. Midwestern finished with an 11-9 lead in shots while the Pioneers placed six of their shots on goal compared to five for the Mustangs.

Sophomore forward Destinee Williamson led the Mustangs with five shots with two on target.

Morrison (5-2-1) earned the win for the Pioneers with four saves while Burnette (3-2-1) suffered the loss, also collecting four saves on the night.

Midwestern State continues LSC play Sunday at 1 p.m. with a trip to Texas A&M-Commerce.