The Mississippi College women's soccer team dropped their season opener 1-0 to Queens University of Charlotte in Columbus, Ga. in the Columbus State Invitational on Friday evening (Sept. 3). The Lady Choctaws fall to 0-1 (0-0 GSC) to start the year while Queens opens up 1-0 (0-0 SAC). 

It was a relatively quiet 1st half as neither team had many threatening chances and neither team scored. Queens outshot MC 8-4 in the first half, but there was only 3 total shots on goal that forced saves. 

Queens got their goal early in the 2nd half as Nia Gaither scored in the 47th minute off of an assist from Karen Juarez. After falling behind, the Lady Choctaws made an intense push as they racked up 11 shots (5 on goal) between the 48th and 71st minutes, but couldn't find the equalizer as several shots came close.

Overall, both MC and Queens had 15 shots in the match with Queens having a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal. Erin Hederman led the way for MC with 6 shots total and 3 shots on goal. Avery Hederman and Kaylee Foster both added 2 shots apiece. 

Four Lady Choctaws made their MC debuts as Stella French, Katie Crochet, Caroline Naman, and Kathryn Knuth all saw their first action for MC as substitutes. Holly Pascoe also made her return for MC after missing the previous 2 seasons due to injury.

For their next match, MC will stay in Columbus, Ga as they will take on Rollins on Sunday at 10:00 am CDT which is also apart of the Columbus State Invitational. Rollins has also started the year 0-1 as they fell 1-0 to West Alabama earlier Friday afternoon.