EDMOND, Okla. — Mississippi Christian University battled through nearly 85 minutes a player down and still found a way to leave Oklahoma Christian with a 1-0 victory Thursday night.
Lillie McCutchen scored in the 84th minute to give the Choctaws the lead, and Brynn Hedberg and the MC defense made it stand as Mississippi Christian improved to 2-1-0 on the season.
The Choctaws were forced to play down a player after Cooper Holmes received a red card in the fifth minute. Despite playing a player short for nearly the entire match, Mississippi Christian kept Oklahoma Christian off the scoreboard.
Oklahoma Christian applied pressure early, earning three corner kicks by the 22:20 mark. The Eagles also held a 3-1 advantage in shots during the opening half, but Hedberg and the Choctaw defense kept the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Olivia Graham recorded MC's lone shot of the first half in the 26th minute, while the Choctaws added a corner kick late in the half.
Oklahoma Christian continued to control possession and create chances after halftime, finishing the second half with a 9-2 advantage in shots and seven corner kicks. Hedberg repeatedly kept the Choctaws in the match, making six saves over the final 45 minutes.
Mississippi Christian found its opportunity in the 84th minute.
McCutchen scored at the 83:13 mark on the Choctaws' second shot of the second half, putting MC ahead 1-0.
The Eagles immediately pushed forward looking for an equalizer, but Hedberg came up with three saves in a span of just over a minute to preserve the lead. The Choctaws' defense held firm through the final minutes to secure the shutout.
Hedberg finished with six saves in 90 minutes, earning her first shutout of the season. McCutchen finished with one shot on goal and the game-winning goal.
The victory marked a resilient performance for the Choctaws, who overcame the early red card and absorbed sustained pressure throughout the match before delivering the decisive goal late.
Mississippi Christian improved to 2-1-0 on the season and will return to action Saturday at East Central University. Kickoff is set for noon CT in Ada, Okla.
