Women’s Soccer Falls to No. 15 Cumberland in 2023 Season-Opener

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – Baker women's soccer fell to No. 15 Cumberland, 5-0 in its opening match of the 2023 season on Thursday at home.

Facing a relentless Phoenix attack that registered 19 shots in the game, the Wildcats trailed by three going into halftime before Cumberland were able to tack on two more goals in the second half. CU forward Mari Sagstad bagged two of the goals while teammates Brenna Swiger, Evelyn Jimenez and Gabby Jones each found the back of the net as well.

"It was a tough one today, but that kind of play is exactly why we schedule these games," said Baker head coach Sara Matthews. "Our conference is tough with multiple ranked teams like today, so we have to be ready."

Cumberland were quick to score in both halves with Swiger opening up the scoring in the seventh minute as she hooked one by BU keeper Sophia Holloway, while Jones scored within six minutes after the intermission.

After entering the match a few minutes earlier, Jimenez tallied her goal in the 31st minute and Sagstad followed just moments later with her first goal of the contest to give Cumberland a three-goal lead.

Baker looked to respond in the second half, earning a couple of corner kicks within the first few minutes after the restart. After having just one shot in the first 45 minutes, Ellie Shumate and Emma Schieber were each able to fire off a shot in the second half with Schieber's skipping just wide of goal in the 83rd minute.

Both clubs earned a penalty kick opportunity in the final 10 minutes of action, first with Cumberland being rewarded on a handball but Holloway was able to deny the ensuing shot. Then, in the final minute, Darcy Cato sliced through the CU defense to draw a PK, but also came up empty on her attempt.

"We're only a week and a half into preseason and I'm glad we're give problems we need to solve," added Matthews. "We need to be pushed into being uncomfortable, solve those problems and get better so that we are ready for the Heart of America."

The Wildcats head out for their first road match of the season as they take on in-state foe Friends University on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Wichita, Kan.

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