Fayette, Mo. - The No. 8 Central Methodist women's soccer team opened up conference play with a 1-0 victory over Culver-Stockton College Wednesday night at Davis Field. 

With the win, CMU improves to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Heart, while Culver falls to 4-1 and 0-1 in conference play. 

Both sides remained scoreless through the first half, despite Central outshooting CS-C 10-1. The Eagles would break the deadlock in the 75th minute of play after a foul inside the penalty box. 

Senior midfielder Andrea Villar converted on the penalty kick, sending the ball into the top left corner of the net for the score, giving CMU a 1-0 lead. 

The Central defense held off the Wildcats' offense for the final 15 minutes, securing a 1-0 shutout victory. 

As a team, Central outshot Culver-Stockton 18-5, led by Villar who recorded seven shots including two on goal and the penalty kick. The Madrid, Spain native now has seven goals through five matches this season. 

Kitti Torok and Maria Cervello each collected three shots, while Roneisha Frank recorded two. 

Senior goalkeeper Alexis Garlock picked up two saves in 90 minutes of action between the posts, earning her fourth win of 2021. 

Central continues conference action with a trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to face Mount Mercy Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2:00 p.m. 

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