Columbia, Mo.— The Stars would score the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute, and SC's Brncova stopped a penalty kick just over four minutes later as Stephens held off the Spires for a 2-1 victory Wednesday night. The loss moved the USM to 0-2, while Stephens improved to 1-0-1.

Stephens opened the scoring at 15:31 when Leininger converted a pass from Austell. The home team produced 12 shots in the first half and prevented the Spires from recording an attempt, but USM kept the deficit at one. Allena Collins made defensive saves at 8:51 and 26:11, and goalkeeper Bre'Ella DeMaranville helped Saint Mary reach halftime trailing only 1-0.

USM would respond quickly after the break. Litzy Mendoza scored an unassisted equalizer at 49:14, putting one of the Spires' three shots on goal past Brncova to make it 1-1. Collins threatened again at 56:45, forcing Brncova to make a save as the Spires looked to take the lead.

The match turned at 69:58, when Colyer restored the advantage for the Stars. USM earned a penalty kick at 74:01 and had a chance to draw even for the second time, but Brncova made the save to preserve the 2-1 margin. Brncova finished with two saves, including the decisive stop from the spot.

Stephens finished with a 26-3 advantage in shots and put 14 attempts on goal, but Saint Mary's defense kept the Spires within striking distance throughout the match. DeMaranville recorded 10 saves over 90 minutes, while Collins added two defensive saves and placed USM's other shot on goal. Litzy Mendoza led the Spires' attack with two shots on goal and the second-half equalizer.
 
Coming Up…
Spire women's soccer will be back in action Saturday, September 5^th for their home opener against the Doane University Tigers at 11:00 a.m. at Charles Berkel Memorial.