Despite playing what coach Shiloh Posey called maybe his team's best game of the year, the Wayland Baptist women's soccer team lost its Sooner Athletic Conference opener on Saturday night, falling to unbeaten Lubbock Christian, 4-2.
"I don't think the score is reflective of how the game actually went," Posey said. "We had our chances, we just didn't capitalize."
On a rain-soaked J.V. Hilliard Field, LCU (11-0, 1-0 SAC) scored first 7½ minutes into the game on a goal by Jordin Farris following a corner kick that the Pioneers couldn't clear.
"They got a lucky goal to start with, but we fought right back," Posey said.
Less than four minutes later, the Pioneers (6-4, 0-1) tied it up when Zoe Benson poked in her second goal in as many games, scoring unassisted from close range in a group after a corner kick.
The Lady Chaps broke the tie with less than six minutes left before halftime when Rebekah Wenger's high shot hit the cross bar and barely dropped in before WBU goalkeeper Courtney Chambers could make the save.
Posey said that close goal took away some of the Pioneers' momentum.
"When something like that happens, especially right before halftime, it tends to put a little hole in your balloon," the coach said. "But the girls fought the entire second half."
LCU freshman Brooke Wendel picked up her second assist when Emily Odom scored 7½ minutes into the second half on a close-range shot. Jorden Smith then made it 4-1 on a 25-foot free kick in the 72nd minute that skimmed over the Wayland defender's head and into the corner of the net.
"The ball bounced a little bit weird," Posey said, alluding to the wet playing conditions. "But both teams had to play in it."
The Pioneers scored the final goal when Mary Achebo-Totty broke free and, after her first shot was deflected by LCU keeper Kayla Wilkinson, found an open net. Despite a frantic pace the rest of the way, Wayland couldn't score again in the final 7½ minutes and the Pioneers saw their three-game win streak come to an end.
LCU, which was the first NAIA team to get to 10-0, got off 13 shots, including eight on goal, compared to 10 and four for Wayland.
Posey said he was pleased with most everything but the final score.
"The effort and the work the girls put in…this was probably their best game. We just had a couple of mistakes," he said. "But I'm proud of the way they played. I really couldn't ask for any more. The girls were really fired up for this one. This was good preparation for us" for the rest of conference play.
Wayland hits the road for its next two outings, playing at 2 p.m. Thursday at Oklahoma Baptist before taking on St. Gregory's at 1 p.m. Saturday.
"Every game's going to be a battle," Posey said. "We'll have to be ready every time."
