LAWRENCE, Kan. - Missouri State women's soccer opened its 2025 campaign on the road Thursday night, falling 5-2 to the Kansas Jayhawks in a physical battle at Rock Chalk Park. Despite a pair of second-half goals, the Bears were unable to overcome a fast start by the Big 12 opponent.

"This was a tough road test against a high-quality opponent," said head coach Kirk Nelson. "We gave up a few goals in the first half, made some adjustments at the break, and came out swinging in the second half."

Kansas set the tone early with two quick goals in the first 20 minutes and added a third before the half. The Jayhawks' pace and aggression in the final third put the Bears under early pressure, forcing goalkeeper Ella Becker to make four key saves in the first half.

Despite the early pressure from Kansas, Kayla Smith anchored the Missouri State back line with poise and determination. Her positioning, timely tackles, and ability to read the game helped slow the Jayhawks' attacking rhythm and limit clean looks on goal.

Trailing 3-0 at halftime, the Bears came out with renewed energy in the second half. In the 54th minute, Riley Smith cut the ball back from the end line to find Maggie O'Keefe in space, who met it with a first-time right-footed strike that soared into the top-right corner, putting Missouri State on the board.

Missouri State refused to go quietly. Abby Hansen gave the Bears a late spark in the 79th minute, pouncing on a deflection off the keeper after a well-placed ball from Reilly Heman and calmly slotting it home for her first goal of the season, bringing the final score to 5-2.

"The standards for our team are high. Even though we didn't win, this was a massive growth moment for us as we head into another tough road match on Sunday," Nelson said. "I'm proud of this team!"

The Bears will stay on the road for their next matchup, traveling to Lincoln to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sunday, Aug. 17 at Hibner Stadium. The Cornhuskers defeated Southern Indiana in their home opener Thursday night, 6-0. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.