LEBANON, Tenn. – For the third time this season, the No. 13 Martin Methodist Women's Soccer turned in a strong road performance against a Top 10 side as it suffered a 2-1 overtime loss at No. 8 Cumberland (Tenn.) University Tuesday afternoon.
Just four days after earning a shutout draw at then-No. 3 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College, the RedHawks (4-2-1) returned to the road for a showdown against their former TranSouth Athletic Conference rivals.
The RedHawks nearly struck just minutes into the first half, but a RedHawk goal was disallowed after a Martin Methodist player was deemed to be offside.
After being shutout themselves in last Friday's draw, the RedHawks finally found their way onto the scoresheet in the second half of Tuesday's contest as Fabiola Sanchez headed home a corner kick from Caroline Ladaga da Silva near the back post in the 57th minute.
The lead would last less than 10 minutes for the RedHawks as the Bulldogs drew level with a header of their own from Shauna Gilpin in the 65th minute.
Deadlocked at a goal apiece, the two sides traded chances for the remainder of regulation, but neither club was able to secure a late game-winner.
But unfortunately for Martin Methodist, the Bulldogs (8-0-1) were able to pounce with a game-winning goal from Renee Larose less than a minute into the first extra period. After securing a quick corner, Kaitlin Phillips whipped in the effort that Larose was able to finish and give Cumberland the sudden-death victory.
Jhani Williams, who took home Southern States Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors thanks to her five-save clean sheet effort vs. Lindsey Wilson, recorded five more saves in net for the RedHawks against the seven chances she faced.
For the contest, the RedHawks were outshot 16-8 and suffered a lopsided 9-2 corner kick disadvantage.
Just moments after the conclusion of Tuesday's contest, the RedHawks and Bulldogs both crept up in the NAIA's Top 25 Poll as Martin Methodist jumped four spots to No. 9 and Cumberland leapt up to the No. 4 position.
The contest marked the final non-conference matchup of the regular season for the RedHawks, who begin their SSAC slate this Saturday at Middle Georgia State College. Kickoff in Saturday's contest is set for Noon.
