Baldwin City, Kan.— The University of Saint Mary women's soccer team opened their 2026 campaign with a 2-Nil loss to the Baker Wildcats this evening on BU's campus in Baldwin City. Cunningham scored the decisive goal in the 18th minute for the Wildcats, and Harris-Hyche added another six minutes later as the hosts did all of their scoring in the first half.

The Spires produced the game's first attempt when junior Jordan Tran had a shot blocked at 2:19. Cunningham broke the scoreless tie at 17:05, and Angelica Quintana-Aficial made a save at 22:15 to keep Saint Mary within one. Harris-Hyche doubled the lead at 23:21, finishing a first half in which Baker establishing a 2-0 advantage.

USM responded quickly to the second goal and created its best attacking stretch of the match. The Spires put shots on goal at 25:27 and 26:33, forcing two saves in less than two minutes. Yaneila Romanlopez led Saint Mary with two shots, including one on goal, while Nieves Vasquez also placed an attempt on target. All four of the Spires' shots came before halftime.

Bre'Ella DeMaranville helped the Spires keep the second half scoreless after taking over in goal. DeMaranville made the first of seven saves at 47:24 and completed 45 shutout minutes. The Wildcats struck the crossbar at 75:26, and DeMaranville recorded the final save at 87:26. Angelica Quintana-Aficial finished with two saves in the opening half, giving the Spires nine saves overall.

Baker held a 15-4 advantage in shots, an 11-2 edge in shots on goal and a 9-3 margin in corner kicks. Cunningham finished with the game-winning goal, Harris-Hyche recorded four shots on goal, and Rihanna Blanchard supplied two assists. Goalkeeper Holloway made two saves to preserve BU's shutout, while the Spires second-half defensive effort prevented the hosts from adding to their early lead.

Coming Up…

USM will continue its road stretch on Wednesday, August 26th, as they travel to Columbia, Missouri, to take on the Stephens College Stars in a non-conference match up at 7:00 p.m.