Lipscomb Women's Soccer stayed unbeaten to open the 2025 season with a 2-1 win over Murray State on Thursday afternoon at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
The Bisons (2-0-0) controlled much of the first half, out-shooting the Racers 12–1, and creating several dangerous chances off set pieces and wide play. Annalise Cannada lit up the scoreboard with the first goal of her Lipscomb career in the 34th minute, heading home a cross from Chloe Iliff to give the Bisons a 1–0 advantage heading into the half.
Murray State (1-2-0) battled back after the break, generating nine shots in the second half, but unable to break the Bisons' control, as Lipscomb doubled its lead in the 77th minute. With a pinpoint cross, Bella Carapazza tee'd up London De Fini, who delivered a first-time cross that found forward Maddy Rhodes inside the box. Rhodes calmly slotted home her first goal of the season.
The Racers pulled one back late, with Tori Schrimpf scoring off a corner in the 90th minute, but the Bisons held firm to secure the 2–1 victory. Sophomore goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar made three saves, including a critical stop inside the first 10 minutes, to earn her second win of the year.
Lipscomb finished with a 17–10 shot advantage and 57% possession, showcasing the possession-based style that has become a hallmark under head coach Kevin O'Brien. The win highlighted both veteran leadership and new contributors — Cannada, a Kentucky transfer, notched her first goal as a Bison, while Rhodes and De Fini connected for the game-winning second.
With the result, Lipscomb improves to 2–0-0 after also defeating Tennessee Tech in its opener. The Bisons will look to continue their strong start as they look to face Western Carolina, at home on Sunday, August 24th. The match will take place at 1:00 p.m. CDT.
