SHAWNEE, Okla. — Midwestern State (1-0-0, 0-0-0) secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Oklahoma Baptist (0-1-0, 0-0-0) on Thursday at the OBU Soccer Complex. The Mustangs dominated with 28 total shots, including 11 on goal, while maintaining a clean sheet defensively. This victory marks the largest shutout to open the season since a 6-0 victory against UTPB on Aug. 30, 2003.
Midwestern State established an early lead in the first half against Okla. Baptist, opening the scoring in the 4th minute with a goal by
Bella Pillow, assisted by
Lexi Gonzales, as Pillow glance a curling corner kick from Gonzales. Shortly thereafter,
Ella Adams extended the lead to 2-0 in the 6th minute with an assist from
Leeci Snyder. The Mustangs maintained offensive pressure, and
Allie Cifuentes added a third goal in the 9th minute.
McKynzi Hailey capped the scoring for the half in the 26th minute, assisted by
Sloane Sullivan, making it 4-0. Okla. Baptist struggled to break through, with goalkeeper Jolee King making several saves to limit further damage.
Midwestern State extended its lead early in the second half, as Gonzales capitalized on a penalty kick in the 59th minute, solidifying MSU's commanding position. Okla. Baptist struggled to respond, with shots by Addison Gray and Ajae Belliston missing the target. Emilia Gallego made key saves for Okla. Baptist, including a stop on
Marlene Myrvold's attempt in the 66th minute. The match concluded with the Mustangs maintaining a 5-0 victory, continuing their streak with three straight matches won against OBU, resulting in a 6-1-1 all-time record against the Bison.
Pillow scored the game-winning goal and finished with two shots, one on goal.
McKynzi Hailey added another goal from her three shots, one of which was on target.
Lexi Gonzales contributed both a goal and an assist, converting one of her two shots into a score.
Lauren Short recorded a shutout, facing three shots and allowing no goals.
Emilia Gallego played a key role in the match, recording two saves during her 45 minutes on the field. Jolee King also contributed defensively with four saves in her half, despite facing 16 shots. Ajae Belliston, Addison Gray, and Camden Ocheskey each managed to take a shot, though none found the target. Despite the strong defensive efforts, Okla. Baptist struggled offensively, unable to convert opportunities into goals.
The Mustangs begin a three-game home stand on Sunday, Aug. 30 against Ouachita Baptist at Stang Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the first 100 fans receiving free Midwestern State sunglasses as part of the Mustangs "Whiteout" promotion.
