Belmont University’s women’s soccer team traveled to Birmingham on Saturday, only to see their unbeaten start to the season slip away in a 0-2 defeat against Samford.
The Bulldogs struck first in the 38th minute when freshman midfielder Hayven Laurendine collected a loose ball at the edge of the box and slotted it past Belmont’s defense.
Goalkeeper Greta Genie rose to the occasion, making ten saves and producing several spectacular stoppers that kept the Bruins within striking distance during the opening half.
The Bruins’ attack generated moments of danger, most notably in the 55th minute when Kaitlyn Elliot and Ava Meadors combined for a flurry of shots that rattled the Samford backline, though none found the net.
Samford doubled their lead in the 75th minute as Marsha Bishop chased down a long pass, sprinted past the last defender and finished calmly to seal a 2-0 victory.
Midfield battles and tactical notes
Despite the loss, Belmont’s midfield displayed resilience, winning a series of duels and controlling possession for large stretches of the game.
Coach’s post-match comments highlighted the need for sharper finishing but praised the defensive organization that limited Samford to just two goals.
The Bruins will look to rebound when they host Chattanooga next week, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. at the university’s home stadium.