McPherson, Kan. - USM held McPherson scoreless for more than 84 minutes before Smith converted a penalty kick at 84:52, giving the hosts a 1-0 conference victory on Saturday, September 26th . The late goal spoiled a strong defensive performance from the Spires and goalkeeper Bre'Ella DeMaranville, who made nine saves over 90 minutes.

The Spires withstood six shots by the Bulldogs in the first half to reach halftime tied 0-0. DeMaranville made three saves before the break, including stops against Lutz in the 22nd minute and Green in the 31st. Allena Collins produced the Spires' first attempt at 8:18, sending it wide right, and Kenna Dale followed with a shot wide left at 14:39.

The Bulldogs increased the pressure after halftime, taking 14 shots in the second half. DeMaranville answered with six more saves, including a stop against Aldrich at 57:20. She then denied Hill in the 77th minute to begin a stretch of four saves in less than four minutes, keeping the match level as the Bulldogs searched for a breakthrough.

USM created its best opportunities during the second half. Nir Darjee put the Spires' first shot on goal at 72:12, but McPherson goalkeeper Singletary made the save. Litzy Mendoza tested Singletary again at 83:07, placing an attempt on target with the match still scoreless. Singletary stopped both shots to complete the shutout.

The Bulldogs finished with a 20-4 advantage in shots and a 10-2 edge in shots on goal, but the Spires' defensive work kept the MC off the scoreboard until the closing minutes. UMS also earned three corner kicks to McPherson's five. Smith's penalty was the Bulldogs only goal despite the sustained attack, while DeMaranville played all 90 minutes and allowed one goal on 10 shots on target.

The result moved McPherson to 7-1-1 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play, while Saint Mary moved to 0-7 and 0-4.

Coming Up...

The Spires will continue life on the road as they travel to Wichita, Kansas to take on the Friends University Falcons this coming Wednesday, September 30th. Kick-off is set for 5 p.m. at Adair-Austin Stadium.