WAXAHACHIE, TX -- Despite a strong defensive showing and several second-half chances, the Pioneers couldn't overcome an early deficit, falling 2–0 to Nelson University on Saturday night.
Nelson struck early, finding the net less than two minutes into the match when Stephanie Hernandez scored off an assist from Daisy Altamirano. Wayland regrouped defensively and limited the Lions' looks the rest of the half, with goalkeeper
Ava Kent making a key save in the 23rd minute to keep it a one-goal game at the break.
In the second half, the Pioneers created more offensive opportunities behind the efforts of
Tannia Diaz, who recorded both of Wayland's shots on goal. However, Nelson doubled its advantage in the 60th minute when Ashanti Avellaneda converted a feed from Damaris Solis.
Kent finished with one save over 90 minutes, while the Wayland back line, led by
Talia Gisonni and
Gabriella Chapa, battled to contain Nelson's 10-shot attack. Gisonni was also shown a yellow card in the 60th minute during a physical stretch of play.
With the loss, Wayland moves to 5–9 overall and 2–6 in Sooner Athletic Conference play. The Pioneers will look to bounce back in their final match of the regular season when they host Oklahoma Panhandle State on Tuesday, October 28
th at 4:00 PM at JV Hilliard Field in Plainview.
