ST. LOUIS, Mo. — IU Kokomo (0-1-0) fell to Harris-Stowe State (MO) (1-0-0) with a final score of 4-2 on Thursday evening. Despite a late surge in the second half, the Cougars were unable to recover from an early deficit.
First Half
- The Hornets took an early lead at 3:00 with Moenesa Mejias scoring the first goal of the match, assisted by Naomi Mangiapane.
- IUK responded with a sequence of opportunities, including a save by Kheilani Alexander off a shot from Avery Wilson at 12:04.
- Harris-Stowe's defense held strong, as Kheilani Alexander made another crucial save against a shot by Kalissa Jackson-Dietzer at 33:09.
- Harris-Stowe (MO) ended the first half with a 1–0 lead over the Cougs.
Second Half
- Harris-Stowe's Naomi Mangiapane converted a penalty kick in the 50th minute, extending the home team's lead to 2-0.
- IU Kokomo responded in the 52nd minute with a goal by Wilson, assisted by Gia Tumber, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
- Harris-Stowe regained momentum with two quick goals, first by Ophelia Coe in the 65th minute and another by Mikai Neal in the 71st minute, pushing their advantage to 4-1.
- Kaitlyn Swartzendruber's first career goal for IUK in the 75th minute brought the visitors closer at 4-2, but the Cougars couldn't bridge the deficit. Harris-Stowe secured a 4-2 victory at the final whistle.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
The Cougars will close out their season-opening two-match road trip by taking the field against Mission University on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Cooper Park and Sports Complex in Springfield, Mo.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
