JACKSON, Miss. – The Millsaps women's soccer team fell in a hard-fought, season opener to the University of St. Thomas (Texas) Celts, 2-1 at Harper Davis Field on Saturday.

Freshman Zillia Biniam netted her first collegiate goal, while also registering four shot attempts and two on goal. Junior Keely Marshall added an assist on the tally.

Junior Haley James also recorded a shot on target and sophomore Mollie Spradley fired two near misses. Junior goalkeeper Emily Lozano pushed aside four shots. The Majors held a 6-4 corner kick advantage and battled through 14 fouls. 

Biniam nearly opened the scoring with a pair of chances in the seventh and 13th minutes. However, a nifty through ball by the Celts gave the visitors an early advantage in the 16th minute.

Spradley would attempt to even the contest in the 31st minute for last Major opportunity of the opening half. Another solid crossing play grew the Celts' margin to 2-0 in the 49th minute.

Millsaps answered immediately in the 52nd minute when Marshall poked ahead a loose ball to Biniam. Biniam volleyed the pass from 30 yards out over the keeper's outstretched finger tips, cutting the deficit to one goal.

Lozano would make a pair of quality saves in the ensuing minutes, including one via a collision to keep the match close.

Spradley, James and Biniam posted final game-tying chances, but the Celts held on.

The Majors will be right back at it by traveling to Huntingdon College on Sunday. Opening kick is slated for 3:30 p.m. with live video and live stats available at gomajors.com.


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