The three-game road trip for the Missouri Southern Lions this season started off with a 4-1 loss to Northwest Missouri State University, but the Lions bounced back against Emporia State University with a 2-1 victory, capturing their first win of the season. 

“It’s nice to have that load off our backs,” Head Coach Alese Woolard said. “This is the time to start winning games, the first win of the season doesn’t matter at this point, just concentrating on conference play.”  

The match against Emporia State did not start off the Lions’ way, as they gave up the first goal of the game in minute 11. 

The Lions would answer back with a goal of their own in minute 32 by junior forward Megan Stueve, her second goal of the season. Southern struck once more before halftime with a head-ball goal by sophomore forward Kelly White giving the Lions a 2-1 lead. 

That lead would hold up for the Lions as they shut out the Hornets of Emporia State en route to their first conference win of the season. 

Improving the team record to 1-7-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. 

“We were a little more consistent than what we had been in previous games. Things just came together better for us this game,” Woolard said.  

For the Lions, this win may be just what they need to get the ball rolling on their season and string together some quality wins.

“A conference win itself is a motivating factor. We know how tough this conference is from top to bottom, and any time you can come out on the winning end is a good boost for our team,” Woolard said.

The Lions were back in action yesterday as they took on conference opponent Southwest Baptist University, results for the game were not available at press time.