MCPHERSON - Texas Wesleyan University  (2-6-2, 0-3-0 SAC) dropped a 1-0 decision to Central Christian College of Kansas (3-6-2, 1-2-0) in a hard-fought match on Saturday,. The Rams generated several scoring chances but couldn't convert, while Central Christian's Makhaya Smith scored the lone goal in the second half.

The first half was a defensive battle, with Texas Wesleyan goalkeeper Hannah Smith stopping an early shot from Central Christian's Isabella Montano. The Tigers' Avery Lemons also missed wide right. The Rams responded with Haley Ellis having a shot blocked and another saved by Central Christian goalkeeper Macy Clements. Texas Wesleyan earned three corner kicks, two from Ellis and one from substitute Amelia Roach, but couldn't break through. Akacia Robles had a shot blocked late in the half. Both teams committed multiple fouls, keeping the score 0-0 at halftime.

Central Christian struck in the 56th minute when Smith scored her first goal of the season, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Texas Wesleyan pushed for an equalizer, with Roach, Ellis, and Katheryn Cameron each having shots blocked or saved. The Rams earned three more corner kicks, two from Roach and one from Yareli Mendoza, but couldn't capitalize. Kayannah Moore and Shannon Middleton had late chances, with Moore's shot saved by Clements and another going wide. Central Christian's defense held firm, and Hannah Smith stopped a late shot from Makhaya Smith to keep the deficit at one.

Texas Wesleyan recorded six shots and six corner kicks but couldn't find the net. The Rams received yellow cards to Yareli Mendoza and the team, while Central Christian's Maria Duda Farias was cautioned. Despite the loss, Texas Wesleyan showed resilience in a physical contest.

The Rams return to action on Thursday on the pitch at Martin Field against John Brown University with the match slated to start at 5 p.m.