MARSHALL, Mo. - Two first-half goals by Kayla Leeser and Shawn Beard lifted Central Methodist University over archrival Missouri Valley College, 3-1, on Tuesday night in Heart of America Athletic Conference women's soccer action.

"We worked on things at practice and came out focused ready to execute," Beard said.

Leeser gave the Eagles (7-4, 1-2 HAAC) a 1-0 advantage in the 11th minute. The Saint Peters, Mo., native beat goalkeeper Erikka Diarte for the first of her two goals on the night.

Beard scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 24th minute.

"Lindie (Adair) played a great ball in front of the goal amongst a group of people," Beard said of her third goal of the season. "We had three or four players crashing, made the runs at the right time, and then I punched it in on the right side."

After the Vikings' (7-5, 2-1 HAAC) Cecilee Kidd cut the deficit in half in the 37th minute, Leeser answered with her second goal of the match and sixth of 2012. Adair was credited with her second assist of the contest.

Central Methodist goalkeeper Brittany Andert made six saves.

Diarte had four saves in the match.

The Green and Black host Avila on Saturday at Davis Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT.