LEBANON, Tenn. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats dropped their Mid-South Conference opener Saturday, falling 9-0 to No. 20 Cumberland University at Lindsey Donnell Stadium.
Cumberland struck in the fifth minute and carried a 3-0 advantage into halftime. The Phoenix added six goals during the second half, including three in a span of less than five minutes.
Ruth Rodriguez led Cumberland with three goals, while Lilly Adair scored twice. Adelyn Drane, Ida Kjallgren, Saki Takaki and Uxia Varela added one goal apiece.
Cumberland finished with a 26-7 advantage in shots and placed 16 attempts on goal. Bethel recorded five shots during the opening half and two after the break.
Zainab Manneh registered Bethel's lone shot on goal. Addison Schumacher, Jacqueline Carbajal, Natasha Muchakati, Tinotenda Taurai, Luiza Kilmeyers Rodrigues and Micaella Gonzalez also recorded shots for the Lady Wildcats.
Goalkeepers Lola Guerin and Maria Carrico split the match for Bethel and combined for seven saves.
Cumberland improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Bethel slipped to 0-4-1 overall and 0-1 in the MSC.
The Lady Wildcats return home Wednesday to host Lindsey Wilson University. The conference match is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Walter Butler Stadium.