CLEVELAND, Miss. – Delta State women's soccer came out strong on Saturday afternoon at Delta Field, striking just minutes into the match before ultimately falling 4-1 to undefeated Nova Southeastern.

Junior forward Emma Earwood energized the home crowd with a goal in the 4th minute, her first of the season, giving the Lady Statesmen an early 1-0 advantage. The quick strike highlighted Delta State's aggressive mindset and ability to set the tone against a nationally regarded opponent.

The back line, anchored by Ava Steven, Ava Webster, and Kennedi Banar, battled through 90 minutes of pressure, while goalkeeper Piper Burgess absorbed a full match in net against an NSU side that has averaged multiple goals per game this season. Midfielders Yalitza Zepeda, Chloe Colquhoun, and Raegan Tucker kept the Statesmen organized, showing grit in transition play.

With the effort, Delta State moves to 1-2-1 on the season as they will host West Florida next Friday to kickoff Gulf South Conference Play at Delta Field