WAXAHACHIE, Texas --- The Wayland Baptist women's soccer team opened its 2011 season with a 1-0 victory over Southwestern Assemblies of God University on Saturday. Newcomer Zoe Benson's header about 15 minutes into the second half was the only goal of the game.
The Pioneers recorded 27 shots in the game with two-thirds of those on goal, but they were unable to penetrate the goal line until Benson's shot off a corner kick. Madison Abbott, a freshman from Dallas, had the lone assist.
According to WBU women's coach Shiloh Posey, his squad had good ball movement and put out an outstanding effort, but ultimately it was conditioning that made the difference.
"We were playing with a short squad due to injuries and other issues, so everybody played at least 25 minutes. It was 100 degrees out there with about 65 percent humidity, and I honestly think we were just in better condition."
Junior goalkeeper Courtney Chambers got the shutout win in her first career start in goal for the Wayland women.
The Wayland women will return to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area next weekend for two games. On Saturday evening, they will take on Texas Wesleyan in Ft. Worth, and then they will make their way east to play Dallas Christian on Monday afternoon.
