CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi Christian University opened the 2026 season with a 1-0 victory over Emmanuel (Ga.) on Thursday afternoon at Robinson-Hale Stadium.
The Lady Choctaws (1-0-0) controlled play throughout the match, outshooting Emmanuel (0-1-0) 21-4 and putting 12 shots on goal. MC also held a 10-4 advantage in corner kicks.
MC broke through in the 18th minute when Kerri O'Hara found the back of the net off an assist from Faith Clark to give the Choctaws a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Choctaws continued to pressure the Emmanuel defense throughout the opening half. Jaylen Bodry and Kyra Morgan each tested Lions goalkeeper Ana Ramirez-Cortes, while MC's defense limited Emmanuel to just one shot on goal in the first half.
Brynn Hedberg made the save on Emmanuel's lone first-half shot on target, helping MC carry its 1-0 advantage into halftime.
The Choctaws continued to create opportunities after the break, recording eight shots on goal in the second half. Kahlen Watters, Parker St. Amant and Paula Catalan each put shots on target, but Ramirez-Cortes kept the Lions within one.
MC continued to threaten late in the match, with Bodry and Bailey Donahue each hitting the woodwork. Ramirez-Cortes also made a key save on Catalan in the 88th minute.
The Choctaws' defense held firm in the closing minutes to preserve the shutout. Hedberg finished with two saves in 90 minutes, including a second-half stop on Emmanuel's Kamryn Simmons.
Bodry led MC with seven shots, including four on goal. O'Hara scored on her lone shot of the match, while Clark added an assist and one shot.
Thursday's victory was the first win for the university under its new Mississippi Christian University name.
The Lady Choctaws return to action Saturday at home at Robert P. Longabaugh Field at 2 p.m.
