TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Lipscomb Women's Soccer fought hard against a nationally respected Alabama on Sunday afternoon, but came up short in an 0-3 road loss at the Alabama Soccer Complex.

The Bisons nearly struck first in the opening minutes when London De Fini sparked a dangerous counterattack down the right side. Her dangerous cross found Annessa Shively in front of goal, but contact in the box disrupted the chance and resulted in a weak shot that was soon cleared. Alabama answered quickly, converting in the 8th minute to take an early lead.

From there, Lipscomb settled in and defended with strongly. Goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar was called on multiple times in the first half, including back-to-back saves off an Alabama free kick and rebound chance. The Bisons continued to battle in the midfield, with much of their possession coming from defensive wins. Their best look of the half came in the 30th minute when De Fini whipped another cross into the box that forced a diving stop from the Alabama keeper.

The Crimson Tide doubled their lead early in the second half with a goal in the 55th minute, then stretched it to 3-0 ten minutes later. Lipscomb responded with flashes of creativity in the attack — Jaide-Simone Prejean connected with Abby Ross for a promising chance that sailed just high, but ultimately couldn't break through.

Cesar turned in a strong performance despite the scoreline, finishing with eight saves, including a quick-reaction stop on a close-range header midway through the second half.

In the end, Alabama's efficiency in front of goal proved the difference in what was otherwise a competitive and physical match.

With the result, Lipscomb moves to 4-3-1 on the season. The Bisons will return to Nashville to open ASUN play on Thursday, Sept. 18, against Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.