CONWAY, Ark. - This week, the Warriors beat their cross-town rivals 2-1 and fell after a hard-fought battle to #16 Mary Hardin-Baylor.

On Thursday night the Warriors took on the Central Baptist Mustangs at Warrior Field. Morgan Baltodano got her first collegiate start in goal for the Warriors. After the Warriors settled into the game, Mackenzie Sinclair attacked the Mustangs' goal, taking four shots in a five-minute span. Finally, in the 22nd minute, a ball from Mackenzie Sinclair to Emily Seymour resulted in the first goal for the Warriors. 

In the second half, Elle Draper came onto the pitch to finish out the game in goal for the Warriors. The Warriors began the half with the offensive advantage and saw their second goal in the 71st minute from Clara Sullivan who took a first-time shot off of a deflection and sailed the ball right over the head of the Mustangs' keeper. In the 77th minute, the Mustangs scored their only goal of the game off of a free kick that sailed into the upper 90 of the goal.

Coach Trimble said, "I felt like we played pretty well in different phases of the game tonight. We still need to become more consistent but I thought we attacked with more creativity. Another good solid defensive performance".

Last night the Warriors hosted #16 Mary Hardin-Baylor. During the first half, the Warriors were able to hold their own against the Crusaders, creating offensive opportunities that they unfortunately just couldn't capitalize on. The Warrior defense was an integral part of keeping the game tied into the first half, with Elisabeth Caton Nelson making seven saves, and the speed of Brianna Willis, Julia Dick, Kaitlyn Wharton, Ava Szczygiel, and Ella Kelly helping keep the Warriors out of some dangerous situations. 

In the second half, the Crusaders came out attacking and the Warriors had few offensive chances until the final five minutes of the game. When the Crusaders were given a penalty kick, Nelson's good read, helped keep the game tied a little bit longer. In the 61st minute, after Nelson had made 12 saves and the Warrior defense had cleared out some shots that were right on the goal line, the Crusaders scored their first and only goal of the match. However, the Warriors were able to hold their own and put out a good defensive performance, showing that they have the ability to play against top-ranked teams and also have the potential to grow to that level.

Coach Jeff Trimble said "Mary Hardin-Baylor really tested us tonight. A well-coached team with athletic and dangerous players. I felt like our defense played well. It definitely was a game we need to learn from and continue to grow throughout this year. We are very young and I think we took a step forward today and became better".

The Warriors will be hosting East Texas Baptist next Tuesday at 6 pm CST and Lyon on Wednesday at 7 pm CST. Southern Athletic Conference play will begin on Saturday as the Warriors host Birmingham-Southern at 12 pm CST.