MILLIGAN, Tenn. – On Tuesday evening, the Milligan University women's soccer team played their first home contest of the 2025 season, in which they hosted the No. 8-ranked Patriots of the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.). Statistically, the match was controlled by the Patriots, as they were able to close out the Buffaloes 1-0.

The first half ended up with a 13-1 shot advantage by the Patriots, but the score remained knotted at 0-0. There was a close call in the 33^rd minute in front of goal where the ball was sent into the twine by UC, but the flag went up, preserving the tie. Milligan had just one total shot from Natalie Roper in the opening half, which was saved.

The second half brought the game's only tally, when the Patriots scored in the 50^th minute on a wild sequence that saw a shot off the post and then a subsequent header off a beautiful cross into the bottom-right corner of the goal. Milligan stormed back in the late stages of the contest, as a cross that bounced off the foot of a defender popped off the crossbar and onto the head of Halle Steele, who directed the ball toward the net. The header was saved with just over a minute left to be played and that sequence ended the contest.

Overall, Milligan finished trailing 26-4 in the shot department, however it was just 10-2 in shots on frame. Grace Baldwin and Nikki Shirley took the two remaining shots for the Buffs.

Emily Robinson was spectacular for the Buffaloes, stopping nine of the 10 shots she faced, with several of them being particularly difficult saves. With the 1-0 loss, she is now 1-1-0 on the campaign.

Milligan plays on their home turf again on Friday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. against the Dalton State (Ga.) Roadrunners, looking to jump back above the .500 mark.