NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Lipscomb Women's Soccer secured a 1-0 win over Middle Tennessee on Thursday night at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex behind a first-half goal from junior captain Hailey Johnson and a strong defensive effort.

The Bisons leaned on goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar early, as she came up with three big saves in the opening 20 minutes to keep the match level. Moments later, Johnson broke through in the 19th minute, finishing off a long ball from London De Fini that took a slight deflection off a defender and found the back of the net.

The match proved physical and chippy, with both sides trading free kick opportunities and five total yellow cards issued. Cesar continued to anchor the back line, adding two more key saves in the second half to preserve the shutout.

Lipscomb pushed for a second goal late, with chances from Bella Carapazza and Katie Brightwell, but the lone strike from Johnson stood as the difference.

Cesar finished with five saves to record her second clean sheet of the season.

With the victory, Lipscomb improves to 3-2-1 on the year and 2-0 at home. The Bisons return to action on Sunday when they host Mercyhurst at 1 p.m.