Mustangs Hold Off Baker to Return to Win Column

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — Mount Mercy built an early three-goal cushion and held off a late Baker surge to secure a 3-2 victory Saturday in Heart of America Athletic Conference women's soccer.

The Mustangs (6-3-2, 4-2-1 Heart) controlled the first half, striking first in the 19th minute when Lauren O'Toole converted an unassisted chance. Just five minutes later, O'Toole doubled the lead off an assist from Hazel Koenighain. Mount Mercy extended its advantage in the 38th minute, when Brielle Bastian converted a penalty kick to make it 3-0 heading into halftime.

Baker (3-5-2, 2-3-1 Heart) responded after the intermission. Naomi Harris-Hyche capitalized in the 50th minute with a shot from inside the box, and the Wildcats pressed forward with sustained possession. Mustang goalkeeper Manuela Gutierrez made two second-half saves, including a key stop on Harris-Hyche in the 51st minute.

The Wildcats narrowed the gap to one in the 80th minute when Darcy Cato found the net following pressure off a corner sequence. Baker outshot Mount Mercy 13-8 and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks, but the Mustangs' defensive line absorbed repeated threats in the closing minutes.

O'Toole led Mount Mercy with two goals on three shots, while Bastian added one goal on two attempts. Renata Bernal-Martinez and Orla Humphrey each registered a shot on target. Gutierrez earned the decision in goal, playing the full 90 minutes.

The win keeps Mount Mercy above .500 in league play as it returns home for its next match against Benedictine on Saturday.