ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Ottawa University looked sharper throughout its second match of the season, but the Braves weren't able to overcome a first-half goal from Missouri Baptist, falling 1-0 on the night.
Ottawa was able to create a good scoring chance in the sixth minute, as
Melissa Grohmann settled a loose ball after Ottawa forced turnover in the middle third. She found Charlotte Greathouse open, with Greathouse taking a touch before sending
Peyton Hack through on goal. Hack's low shot was parried away by Jordyn Maryas.
Missouri Baptist was eventually able to take hold of the momentum and collect three big chances approaching the half-hour mark. A big diving save by
Makena Tapia in the 30th minute highlighted the flurry, as the sophomore flew across the goal mouth to grab a shot from Ava Danouse that was headed toward the top corner.
Unfortunately, a miscommunication in the Braves defense led to the Spartans opener just moments later, as Lillian Coleman picked off a pass and dribbled to the endline before crossing to Gracie Beckemeier for the goal.
In the 36th minute, the Braves earned a dangerous free kick on the top right corner of the 18-yard-box, opting for a lofted pass into the area over a driven shot on goal, but the entry pass was cleared away.
Ottawa nearly earned an equalizer after Missouri Baptist was whistled for a handball in its attacking half.
Ella Stillings sent a long pass forward that was eventually controlled by Grohmann, but her shot from distance was blocked.
Opposite ends of the 73rd minute saw chances for both teams.
Ellie Fitzpatrick was sent long and outran two Spartan defenders before forcing Maryas to lay out to her left and parry the shot wide. Then for Missouri Baptist, Beckemeier was the recipient of a long pass, but
Lena-Marie Winkler was decisive off her line and came out to smother the shot.
Ottawa's pressure started to bear fruit as the final moments of the match ticked away, with the Braves coming tantalizingly close to an equalizer in the 86th. After contact in the midfield between Danouse and
Cennet Donahue was allowed to play on for Ottawa's advantage, Fitzpatrick played an inch-perfect pass to Hack on the right side. Hack's shot took every bit of stretch that Maryas could offer to get a fingertip to push it over the crossbar for a Braves corner, but nobody in Black and Gold was able to get a touch on the inswinger.
The Braves continue their three-game road swing to open the season at Benedictine on Saturday. Kickoff in the doubleheader is set for 1:30 p.m.
