COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Owls women's soccer team (0-1) fell, 5-0, to NCAA Division II opponent Mississippi College (1-0) in the season opener Saturday afternoon at the Columbus Soccer Complex. Single goals by several Choctaws pushed MC ahead of the Owls, while The W remained scoreless.

MC showed its class throughout the night, staying just ahead of the Owls defense. After multiple shot attempts, the Choctaws landed their first goal halfway through the first half, with Mary Ella White landing a shot just past W goalkeeper Sarah Gilliland. The assault continued with MC scoring two more goals in the first period with the first goals of the season from Emily Dress and Morgan Bright.

At the half, Owls head coach Catie Lyles reconfigured the line-up placing freshman Caitlyn Fox in the goal. After the change, Mississippi College added two to the score with goals from Anna Clair Nance and Marion Scott.

Despite an intense effort, The W went shotless and was unable to score any goals. Defensively, the Owls keepers put in significant work inside the goal, recording a total of 14 saves. Senior keeper Gilliland led the charge to tally three goals allowed with eight saves, while Fox allowed 2 goals with 6 saves.

The Owls are just getting started with this unconventional season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The W's second game will be on the road in Clarksville, Ark., to take on the University of Ozarks. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m.