Boca Raton, Fla. – Lipscomb Women's Soccer battled until the final whistle but fell short in a 2-1 loss at Florida Atlantic on Sunday afternoon.

The match opened with a physical tone as the Bisons absorbed multiple fouls in the early minutes. Lauren Bennett nearly put Lipscomb on the board with a header off a Bella Carapazza free kick, but FAU responded with a goal midway through the first half before adding a second from the penalty spot, due to a hand-ball in the box from the Bisons, to carry a 2-0 advantage into the break.

Lipscomb came alive in the second half starting when Hailey Johnson drew a dangerous foul outside the box that set up a free kick combination between London De Fini and Bella Carapazza, forcing a save from the FAU keeper. The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Tatum Ahlemeyer scored off a Carapazza corner, slicing the deficit in half.

The Bisons continued to push late — as Hailey Johnson challenged a defender one on one inside the box, resulting in a shot deflected for a corner kick. Johnson's effort led to a VAR review for a possible penalty that ultimately stood as a corner. In the final ten seconds, Abby Ross rocketed a shot that hit the post, ending the game on a heartbreaking goal kick for FAU. Despite the fight, FAU held on for the narrow win.

Coach Kevin O'Brien on the match:
"I'm really proud of the team. It's been a great trip to Florida, and we're learning a lot about ourselves. We faced two very good opponents and lost in tough ways — late at Miami and then on a penalty today. Soccer can be cruel sometimes, but that's part of the growth process. I loved the way we battled and competed, and I'm encouraged by the chances we're creating. I believe in this group and am excited to get back to Nashville, get into cooler weather, and keep working hard. This is going to be a really good team as we head into conference play."