The No. 12 Baker University women’s soccer team came out on top in a 2-1 victory against Central Methodist University to kick off each team’s Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season games.

The win allowed Baker to improve to 7-2-1 on the season while the Central Methodist Eagles fell to 6-3 overall.

Although they had multiple opportunities, the Wildcats were unable to net the ball in the first half of the game. They were able to maintain composure in the midfield, though, keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard as well.

As a result of a handball inside the box, Baker was awarded a penalty kick in the 60th minute. Senior Jordan Dolbin broke the tie as her free shot went flying past keeper Brittany Andert.

Ten minutes later, Dolbin fed a pass to teammate Alexa Fryer, who in turn sent the ball into the back of the goal putting Baker up 2-0.

Baker’s lead was cut in half in the 86th minute of the game as Central Methodist’s Jordie Retzlaff received a pass from teammate Christine Ehrmann and shot the ball past sophomore goalkeeper Rachel Theobald.

The Eagles were unable to complete a comeback, though, and the final score ended at 2-1.

The Wildcats also were victorious in their final non-conference matchup Friday against Mid-America Christian University by shutting out the Evangels 3-0.

Theobald won the shutout and racked up six saves out of the 11 shots the Baker defense allowed the Evangels to take all game.

The Wildcats found the back of the net for the first time just 13 minutes into the game. Sophomore midfielder Alexa Fryer crossed the ball in front of the goal to connect with senior Finola Corley who took the ball with her head and sent it past goalkeeper Melissa Dobie.

Dobie was beat by Corley for a second time just four minutes later as Baker’s forward ripped a shot just in front of the goal off an assist from Dolbin to put the Wildcats up 2-0.

Baker continued to run the midfield throughout the second half of the game to keep their lead over the Evangels.

Sophomore Hillary Yoder scored the Wildcats’ third goal of the night and her first goal of the season in the 81st minute of the game. As she attempted a save, Dobie lost control of the ball just in front of the goal allowing Yoder to knock it past her into the back of the net.

Just one minute later, Theobald had a similar scare that almost cost her the shutout. She ran out of the goal to make a save and the Evangel’s Julia Nimal got around her to take a big kick at the ball which ultimately ricocheted off the near goalpost and Baker defenders were able to clear it out.

Of the 24 shots Baker took during the game, 11 were on goal. Dolbin led the team with four of the shots on goal, Corley had three and freshman Shalynn Eldredge-McMillan took two.

Baker will travel to face its next conference opponent, Avila University, at 1 p.m. Saturday in Kansas City, Mo.