The Middle Tennessee Women's Soccer team finished its non-conference schedule with a record-breaking performance, despite a 4-1 loss to Jackson State on Sunday. The Blue Raiders achieved their best-ever winning percentage of .727, going 7-2-2 in their non-conference matches.
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With the loss, Jackson State improved to a 3-6 record as it prepares for SWAC play. MTSU head coach Aston Rhoden emphasized that one game does not define the team's overall progress, stating, "It's about taking the lessons from this game and putting them into next weekend."
The match started evenly, with Middle Tennessee outshooting Jackson State 9-6 during the first half. However, Jackson State took the lead when India Wilson scored her first goal of the season shortly before halftime.
The Tigers extended their lead just three minutes into the second half, as goal-scoring leader Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper successfully converted a penalty kick. MTSU attempted to respond with shots from Hannah Murphy, Megan Carroll, and Saachi Bureau, but JSU goalkeeper Taylor Osborn made crucial saves.
Jackson State then made it 3-0 with a low-driven free kick from Malayah Nuestro. MTSU's Ania Denham quickly countered with her third free kick goal of the season, marking her seventh overall goal and her fourth consecutive score. This achievement makes her the first Blue Raider to score in four straight games since Peyton DePriest in 2021.
The game concluded with Jackson State's Mia Ortega scoring her third goal of the season, sealing a 4-1 victory.
Despite the defeat, Middle Tennessee outshot Jackson State 24-15, with 16 of those being on target. Murphy and Carroll achieved career-highs with seven and four shots, respectively, while Mya Stenehjem matched her career-best with three shots.
Looking ahead, Middle Tennessee will begin Conference USA play with a matchup against Jax State on Sunday, September 27, at 1 p.m. The team will then play its conference home opener on October 1 against Liberty, the 2025 CUSA Women's Soccer Tournament champions.