MILWAUKEE – The Mount Mary University soccer team battled Tuesday afternoon at MMU Soccer Field, but it was visiting Maranatha Baptist University that scored a hard-fought 2-0 victory.
Much of the game was played in the middle third of the field, as both teams jostled for possession much of the game. MBU took the lead in the 17th minute with a Makayla Willette header in traffic that beat MMU keeper Brianna Brown (San Diego, Calif./Herbert Hoover) deep in the box. The Sabercats made it 2-0 right before the half on a ball played through the Blue Angel back line found Willette, who put away her second goal of the afternoon.
Despite improving its possession, the Blue Angels never really put forth a formidable attack against a speedy Sabercat defense. Freshman Cate Mitchell (Mazomanie, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) took a deep shot off a free kick midway through the first half, and sophomore Ashton Longazel (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) sent a bouncing ball on frame late in the game, but it was the strong MBU defense that proved the difference in the matchup.
Brown took the loss as Mount Mary's starting keeper, picking up five saves. Freshman Angie Gomez (Milwaukee, Wis./Martin Luther) entered in the 58th minute, securing three saves in relief.
Mount Mary (0-12-1) will next head to Eureka College for a Sunday afternoon tilt. Kickoff at the Red Devils' Traister Field is slated for 3:30 p.m.
