Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The Belmont women's soccer team lost its first home match of the season at the hands of Murray State 3-0 on Friday afternoon at Rose Park.
"It wasn't the result we wanted," head coach Heather Henson said. "In general, we had to overcome some things. We have to clean some things up. We have to take care of the ball a little bit better and refocus for Sunday."
Belmont knocked away Murray State's passes in the first 15 minutes of the match, only allowing one shot opportunity to the Racers during that stretch. The Bruins managed to prevent any offensive looks at the net from OVC scoring leader Miyah Watford in the opening minutes, but Murray State set up their primary offensive weapon.
The Racers got on the board first, with Watford delivering the go-ahead goal off assists from Lily Strader and Rebecca Kubin.
"Murray State did a good job of closing the seams quickly," Henson said. "We just need to learn from that, take care of the ball, and play quicker."
The Bruins looked to tie up the score with nine minutes left in the first half, earning a free kick after a Murray State foul. Belmont got a clean shot opportunity that looked to be going in the back of the net, but Murray State goalkeeper Jamie Skarupsky leaped into the air to knock it out of play and keep the Racers out in front.
Belmont looked to respond in the following period, but Murray State took away the Bruins' passes and collected two quick shots in the opening five minutes of the second half. Murray State collected two consecutive free kick opportunities following fouls, with Abby Jones converting an unassisted goal off the second free kick in the 55th minute to extend the lead to two goals. The Racers limited Belmont's offensive chances in the final 45 minutes, holding the Bruins to three shots in the second half.
Watford capped off Murray State's scoring, breaking away for a one-on-one shot attempt that resulted in an unassisted goal and her second score of the match.
"We just have to take care of the ball better," Henson said. "I thought we did a good job of sticking to our game plan defensively and trying to build our attack. We just have to take care of the ball and build our attack better with cleaner passes."
Belmont wraps up the regular season with Senior Day on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rose Park. The Bruins face Austin Peay, who is tied with Belmont in the OVC standings with 11 points.
