PULASKI, Tenn. – In a battle of two of the NAIA's top programs, the No. 1 Martin Methodist Women's Soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss to No. 4 William Carey (Miss.) University Saturday afternoon at Grissom Pitch.

The loss was the first of the season for the RedHawks (15-1, 5-1 SSAC), who had not tasted defeat since they were eliminated from last year's national tournament on Nov. 28, 2016. In their last 10 meetings, the RedHawks have earned just two wins over the Crusaders (14-0, 6-0) dating back to 2009.

Just three days after a road victory over No. 10 University of Mobile (Ala.), the RedHawks were uncharacteristically shaky in Saturday's outing versus the Crusaders.

The RedHawks surrendered 20 shots on the contest and were outshot 20-15 on the afternoon.

William Carey enjoyed a 9-5 edge in shots in the first half, but did not score their goal until the 57th minute when Silvia Leonessi worked her way into the box and rifled a shot home to put the visitors ahead by a goal.

The goal, at least somewhat, appeared to shock the RedHawks into a renewed offensive vigor as they began to press forward and came close on a handful of chances to tying the contest.

But, despite a late flurry, the RedHawks were unable to secure the equalizer.

"All the credit in the world to William Carey," RedHawks head coach Will Austin said. "They are extremely well coached and perennially one of the top programs in all of the NAIA. They made the most of their chances and we did not take advantage of ours. We will hopefully learn from this loss and use it to help us get where we need to be as we head toward the postseason."

The loss snapped a 23-match home unbeaten streak for the RedHawks at Grissom Pitch.

The RedHawks will play two more regular-season contests before they begin the postseason on Saturday, Nov. 4.

The next outing for Martin Methodist will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 when they host Bethel (Tenn.) University. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at Grissom Pitch.