Women's soccer again rallies for 'W' vs. OCU

For the second time in four days, the Wayland Baptist women's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to secure a 2-1 conference win, this time over Oklahoma City University on Saturday afternoon at Hilliard Field
 
"I think a lot of character was shown today…a lot of believing. OCU was very physical and talented, but our ladies always knew they had what it took," Wayland coach Shiloh Posey said. "The first-half water break came just after OCU scored their goal. The first thing I heard was, 'I know we are down, but we are in this. We can win this!'"
 
Aryial Garcia scored both goals for Wayland just 2½ minutes apart in the second half as the Pioneers improved to 6-3-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. OCU fell to 7-4, 2-2.
 
On a day with temperatures in the low 90s, Garcia's second and third goals of the season came after the Stars scored in the 23^rd minute.
 
"We fought against the wind the first half, but everyone did their jobs and won the majority of their individual battles. The back line and our goalkeeper (Kanade Morita) definitely kept us in the game. OCU was taking shots from anywhere on the field, but we did a great job of making them shoot from distance with very few coming from close range.
 
"In the second half we continued to work hard and tried to use the wind to our advantage. We had been able to create a couple of chances in the first half, but we had more opportunities in the second half."
 
Posey described his team's goals: "Our first came on a transition and, with a good bounce, Bianca Roman was able to control the ball past the OCU center back, and Aryial made a good run in support. When the goalkeeper committed toward Bianca, she made a very unselfish play and passed the ball to Aryial for the score.
 
"Just a few minutes later, the ball was deflected out of a small group of players on the right wing. Aryial was able to pick up the dribble and found an opening at the top of the 18-yard box. She took a great shot that went right over the goalkeeper's hands and found its way under the crossbar into the net."
 
Posey said the final 15 minutes found Wayland continuing to defend against an aggressive attack by OCU. "Our tram did a great job of clearing out balls and defending," the coach said.
 
Both teams took 12 shots (Lucy Chavez led WBU with four). OCU had seven shots on-goal compared to Wayland's three. Morita recorded six saves.
 
"I couldn't be more pleased with the result and I'm happy for the team," Posey said. "These ladies have worked tirelessly and continue to get better. We are going to enjoy this one over the weekend, but know we have a tough one next Saturday, so we've got a lot of preparation."
 
The Pioneers travel to Chickasha, Okla., to take on Science and Arts at 4 p.m. Oct. 16. The Drovers (10-3, 4-0), ranked the equivalent of 31^st in the NAIA, defeated Mid-America Christian on Saturday, 3-0.