MARSHALL, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to East Texas Baptist University in its American Southwest Conference opener Thursday evening in Marshall.
 
UMHB outshot the Tigers 11-4 in the first half but Claire Montondon made 10 saves in the half to keep the contest scoreless. ETBU's offense doubled in the second half, totaling eight shots. Brianna Mickshaw scored in the 54^th minute to put the Tigers up before Sarah Ramos extended that lead in the 62^nd minute. ETBU held a two-goal lead through most of the second half of action. Maria Rico scored on a Tyler Pierce assist in the 84^th minute as UMHB's offense pressed. The Cru totaled 12 shots in the half but was unable to score, surrendering a 2-1 decision to the Tigers.
 
Rico led the Cru with eight shots, putting seven on frame. Emi Velez added four shots with Grace Greenly and Tanner Jarzombek adding three each. UMHB put 15 of 23 shots on frame in the contest.  Montondon earned the win for ETBU, making 14 saves with one goal allowed. Ainsley Westlake and Reagan Williams split time in the net for the Cru, each making two saves.
 
UMHB returns to action on Saturday, September 25^th in a 5 p.m. match at LeTourneau University in Longview. The Cru returns home in a pair of matches next week, facing off against University of the Ozarks and UT Dallas.