The St. Edward’s women’s soccer team suffered its first of loss of the season on Sunday when they lost to Central Oklahoma by a score of 2-0. The Hilltoppers entered the game with a 5-0 record and ranked second in NCAA Division II. The Bronchos of Central Oklahoma won their fourth straight game, improving to 4-3.

The Hilltoppers controlled the ball throughout the game, but St. Edward’s couldn’t cash in on their opportunities. St. Ed’s outshot Central Oklahoma, 12-4, and had 10 corner kicks, compared to just three for the Bronchos.

The first half ended with no score. The Bronchos scored first in the 64th minute when Bronchos midfielder Ashton Morris netted the ball against Hilltopper goalkeeper Claire Tilton with a shot from 30 yards out. Tilton was injured while attempting to make the save. Sophomore Danielle Licarione replaced Tilton for the remainder of the game.

Tilton was not the only Hilltopper to get shaken up. Leading scorer Rachel Murray went down in the first half with a leg injury, but she returned in the second half.

Central Oklahoma would make it 2-0 in the 77th minute. Hilltopper Licarione was able to block the first Broncho attempt, but Broncho Summer Grantham was there to kick in the rebound.

St. Edward’s had their best scoring opportunity with less than eight minutes remaining. The Hilltoppers took three shots on goal, but a Bronchos defender blocked the first attempt and goalkeeper Brandi Bartley made the save on the last two. St. Ed’s had scored 12 goals in their first five games, but Bartley held the Hilltoppers without a goal.

The loss was the first at home since the 2009 season for St. Edward’s when lost in overtime to Newman.

The Hilltoppers will be back in action Thursday when they travel to take on Heartland Conference rival UT-Permian Basin. The team’s next home game will be on October 6th against St. Mary’s.