HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Mississippi Christian University women's soccer closed out its 2026 season Friday afternoon with a 2-1 loss to Alabama Huntsville at Charger Park.
The Choctaws finished the season with a 5-5-5Â overall record and a 2-4-5 mark in Gulf South Conference play, while UAH improved to 7-7-1 overall and 5-5-1 in conference action.
Despite trailing for much of the contest, Mississippi Christian generated a strong second-half offensive effort, recording 12 of its 15 shots after halftime and outshooting the Chargers 15-12 overall.
The Blue and Gold applied pressure early, earning a pair of corner kicks in the opening nine minutes. Michelle Melancon nearly put the Choctaws ahead when her ninth-minute attempt struck the crossbar.
Goalkeeper Paityn Settlemires kept the match scoreless through the early stages, recording three saves during a stretch of UAH opportunities. The Chargers eventually broke through in the 27th minute when Kaitlyn Lewis found the back of the net to give the home team a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Mississippi Christian came out aggressively in the second half, creating several scoring opportunities through Jaylen Bodry, Olivia Graham and Lillie McCutchen. However, UAH extended its lead to 2-0 in the 62nd minute.
The Choctaws continued to battle, maintaining offensive pressure throughout the final 30 minutes. Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Graham connected on a pass from Kerri O'Hara to cut the deficit to 2-1.
MC nearly found another opportunity in the closing minutes, with Brinnslee Picard putting a shot on goal in the 88th minute, but the Chargers held on for the one-goal victory.
Graham led Mississippi Christian offensively with five shots, including four on goal, and scored the Choctaws' lone goal. Bodry followed with four shots, while O'Hara contributed an assist.
Settlemires played all 90 minutes in goal, finishing with six saves.
Mississippi Christian held a 12-7 advantage in second-half shots and a 5-4 edge in shots on goal during the final 45 minutes. The Choctaws also earned five corner kicks compared to UAH's three for the match.
MC Top Performers
Olivia Graham
- One goal
- Five shots
- Four shots on goal
Paityn Settlemires
- Six saves
- 90 minutes played
Jaylen Bodry
- Four shots
- One shot on goal
Kerri O'Hara
Season Wrap-Up
Friday's contest marked the conclusion of the 2026 season for Mississippi Christian. The Choctaws finished the year with five victories, five losses and five draws, including a 2-4-5 record against Gulf South Conference opponents.
