COLUMBIA – Missouri State, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference women's soccer champions, opened its 2018 season here Tuesday in an exhibition match against in-state rival Missouri, falling 6-0.

Missouri State matched the Tigers in shots in the opening period with each team collecting two apiece in the first 45 minutes. However, Missouri was able to convert on both of its shots gaining a 2-0 lead before the midway point.

After being named to the MVC All-Freshman team last year, Lexi Palacio tallied five saves on the afternoon for MSU while Kaitlin Maxwell added two more for the Bears.   

Missouri went on the offensive late in the game, scoring three goals in the second half and one during an extended "overtime" period to pad its final margin.

"We did get better," said MSU head coach Rob Brewer. "The last 30 minutes of the game was our best."

After wrapping up their lone exhibition match of the preseason, the Bears will return home to kick off the regular season against Western Illinois on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.

For all the latest information on the Missouri State women's soccer team, visit MissouriStateBears.com or follow @MSUBearsWSoccer on Twitter.