ITTA BENA, Miss. – The Devilettes of Mississippi Valley State University opened a six-match homestand Friday with a hard-fought, 1-0 loss to Howard.
 
Aleeya Sawyer provided the only goal of the match when she headed in a pass from Howard (5-6-1, 3-1-1 SWAC) teammate Kenya Saunders in the 23rd minute.
 
The lone goal, which came off a precisely aimed pass, put a blemish on what was otherwise a strong performance from freshman goalkeeper Mackenzie McCarthy, who was making only her third start of the year. McCarthy made six saves, including three in the during a two-minute stretch near the match's hour mark.
 
Though they were outshot 14-6, the Devilettes were not without their scoring chances. Valley's best chance to level came in the 85th minute, when Ronia Pierre-Louis struck a free kick from 25 yards out that just went over the crossbar.

Stephany Adomako (pictured) anchored a defensive unit that frustrated Howard's big roster of big players for the majority of the evening.
 
Valley (3-8-2, 0-4-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) returns to action Thursday when they host in-state rival Jackson State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.