Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Belmont University women's soccer team was defeated by UT Martin 1-0 on Friday night at Rose Park.
The Skyhawks scored the game-winning goal in the 74th minute of play, coming up with 15 shots and putting eight on goal.
"Defensively, we were able to make some changes and tighten up our defense a little bit," head coach Heather Henson said. "I thought UT Martin did a great job. They had an attack and they executed their plan very well and that challenged us. But that's how we get better. We get better every game because we're challenged by something new.
Following 20 minutes of back-and-forth action, UT Martin collected two quick corner kicks in the 23rd minute. The Skyhawks registered two shots on goal, but Belmont goalkeeper Sarah Doyle collected a pair of saves to keep Belmont out in front.
The Bruins' defense only gave up one more shot on goal to end the first period, with Doyle once again coming up with the save. The Maitland, Fla. native has already registered 15 saves this season, coming up with six on Friday night.
"She showed us last season that she can step up and perform when we needed her to," Henson said. "She has done it within both 90-minute games, stepped up, and played within the flow of the game and directed her defense, organizing them and also ready to make saves."
With both teams pressing hard and turning the pressure up on both ends of the field, UT Martin collected the game's only goal in the 74th minute. Skylar Boes scored the go-ahead off an assist from Emely van der Vilet and Hendrikje Baurmann to give the Skyhawks the one-goal advantage.
Belmont registered its third shot of the evening in the 85th minute, but missed off the top right. The Bruins drew a free kick opportunity with 30 seconds left following a foul. The Skyhawks' defense, however, prevented a further shot and sealed the victory.
"What we're going to take from this is we have to step up and we have to win 50-50 balls," Henson said. "We can't let the opponent get it. We have to challenge. We have to go for the win. We have to play faster. When they're getting pressed, we have to be able to get the ball and get it and do it at a faster pace."
Belmont (1-1) returns to Rose Park on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., facing the 2019 OVC Regular Season Champions SEMO.
