An early lead wouldn't stand the test of time Wednesday afternoon as the Barton Community College women's soccer team surrendered two first half goals proving to be the difference maker in a 3-1 loss at 18th ranked Cloud County Community College.

The loss concludes Barton's third place conference mark at 8-4 while slipping to 8-7-0 on the season. Cloud County's victory assures the T-Birds of at least a share of the West title improving to 11-0 in the league and 13-2.

The Cougars' next action is tentative on the schedule, a 2:00 p.m. Monday kick-off hosting of the reserved squad from York College. The game will be the final tune-up for the Cougars in preparation of post-season play as Barton will hit the road in first round Region VI action Saturday, October 26, at an opponent yet to be determined.

Domenica Pena gave Barton the edge just 5:30 off the clock, rattling the twine for the sophomore's fifth goal of the year by putting away Gabriela Freitas' through ball on her team leading sixth assist.

Pena had another golden opportunity to expand the lead just four minutes later missing wide on a breakaway attempt. Seven minutes later Cloud's Izabella Christina outraced the Cougar defense creating a 1v1 situation leaving net protector Itzel Diaz with little chance to prevent the equalizer.

Approaching the final 90 seconds of the first half, a mistimed pass deep in the defensive end provided the T-Birds an offensive opportunity as Diaz' deflection of a shot was not enough as the uncleared rebound to Franciele Cupertino resulted in the eventual game winner.

The final nail in the coffin came with fourteen minutes to play as the Christina struck for the second time dampening any Barton hopes of an upset.