Facing off against its rival in a preseason exhibition match, the Belmont women’s soccer team fell to the Lipscomb Lady Bisons 2-0 at Rose Park Friday afternoon.
Lipscomb sophomore forward Ellen Lundy scored a pair of goals in the 6th and 81st minutes to help lead the Lady Bisons past the Bruins.
Despite the loss for the Bruins, Belmont coach Heather Henson said she was proud of the team’s ability to make adjustments between the halves.
“Our first half wasn’t the best half. We weren’t playing for the openings that were there. I think we made a good adjustment in the second half,” Henson said. “What we talked about in the locker room, they were able to come out and make those changes.”
After both teams exchanged possession in the opening minutes of the game, Lundy scored her first goal of the afternoon on the cross from midfielder Natalie DuBoise. The sophomore forward leaped into midair to accept the pass and sent it past Belmont keeper Lindsey Espe for the score.
Belmont continued to pressure the Lipscomb midfield and created several scoring opportunities from juniors Emily Proud and Sydney Omweg.
In the 17th minute, Omweg broke past the Lady Bisons midfield and dribbled around the Lipscomb defender to send a cross into the box. The Lipscomb goalkeeper Anna Buhigas recorded the save.
Moments later, Proud threaded a pass through the backline and found an open Cassie Blase; however the forward barely trimmed the crossbar with her shot.
In the second half, the Bruins made several adjustments both offensively and defensively, and Belmont displayed more energy throughout the attacking midfield.
The best chance for the Bruins during the half came in the 51st when Belmont was awarded a free kick from 30 yards out. Senior defender Allison Alcott sent the kick sailing towards the goal’s right top shelf when Buhigas punched the shot straight into the crossbar.
Less than a minute later, Proud produced another chance for Belmont but once again Buhigas came up with the save.
The unassisted chipped goal from Lundy in the 81st sealed the deal for Lipscomb as Belmont couldn’t capitalize on any opportunities.
Overall, the Bruins outshot the Lady Bisons by two shots (9-7). Buhigas stood tall between the posts and recorded seven saves for Lipscomb.
“We did better going into the middle third of the field from first half to second half and gained more possession.” Henson said. “And now we have to make sure we’re building from the middle into the attacking third. So that’s the biggest focus for us as we move into our next game.”
Belmont will play a final exhibition match on the road against The University of Alabama at Birmingham on Sunday before officially opening the season on Aug 22 at Valparaiso.