Belleville, Ill. – The Central Methodist University women's soccer team had their first test of the season on Sunday afternoon at Lindenwood-Belleville University. The Eagles trailed for the first time in 2016, but rallied to win their fourth straight game, by a final score of 4-2.

With the victory, Central Methodist improves to 4-0 overall, while Lindenwood-Belleville University falls to 1-2 with the loss.

"All in all, I was really pleased with our result today," said CMU head women's soccer coach Dan Schmidlin. "Lindenwood gave us a really good test today. We trailed early 1-0, but I am proud with how our team responded. This is the first time we have faced any adversity this year. We will continue to get better as this season goes on."

The Lindenwood-Belleville Lynx defended their home turf on Sunday afternoon, snapping the Eagles shutout streak which spanned three plus games. That streak came to a halt in the game's ninth minute, when Raven Loughridge scored to give the Lynx a 1-0 lead.

Central Methodist would then rattle off the next three goals. CMU scored off a corner kick from Rebecca Steele-Mackey (JR/Wasilla, Alaska) to Paige Utterback (SO/New London, Mo.) for the goal in the 11^th minute. Nicki Noreen (SR/Bartlett, Ill.) tallied the second goal for CMU in the 20^th minute, and then Zendy Montalvo (SR/Des Moines, Iowa) found Judith Sainz (FR/Pamplona, Spain) for a goal in the 28^th minute, to give CMU a 3-1 lead.

The Lynx would not be stopped, as they got back on the scoreboard a minute later to bring the game within a goal at 3-2; off a free kick.

Central responded yet again, as Sarah Freiermuth (FR/Blue Springs, Mo.) found Marta Erice (FR/Madrid, Spain) for the Eagles' fourth goal of the afternoon in the 40^th minute. At halftime, CMU led Lindenwood-Belleville 4-2.

That lead would hold, as the two squads played a scoreless half of play in the second half, and CMU held on for the 4-2 victory. Ashlynn Freeman (FR/Moberly, Mo.) moved her record to 4-0 with the victory on Sunday, recording three saves in net for the Eagles.

CMU return to action this Wednesday, when they travel down the road to Fulton, Missouri to face William Woods University. The men will get things started at 5pm, followed by the women's match at 7pm.

For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.