A 2-0 loss in the first round of the Conference USA tournament to Missouri State eliminated the Hilltoppers Sunday night.

The Hilltoppers couldn’t find control in the midfield, allowing the Bears to control possession. WKU managed just four shots on target compared to Missouri State’s seven. 

The Bears opened the scoring in the 33rd minute after the Hilltoppers’ defense allowed freshman defender Ellie Neath to shoot from the edge of the box. MO State extended the lead in the 57th minute after senior defender Abby Hansen sent a through ball, allowing junior forward Reilly Heman behind the Hilltopper defense and slot the ball away. 

WKU failed to find any dangerous passes in the final third, and either left with the ball in their own half or battled the Bears for possession. 

Junior midfielder and CUSA Midfielder of the Year Georgia Liapis missed a penalty in the 89th minute, sealing Missouri State’s win.

The loss became the first shutout by a conference opponent against WKU this season.