KISSIMMEE, FL. --- 7-seed Wayland Baptist women's soccer battled to a 0–0 draw against 3-seed Houghton University on Tuesday at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex. The Pioneers have now earned two draws in their first two pool play matches at the 2025 NCCAA Division 1 Women's Soccer National Championships.
Though the scoreboard never changed, the Pioneers (7-10-3) dictated much of the match, outshooting the Highlanders 15–10 and generating consistent pressure in both halves. Wayland controlled possession spells, earned seven corner kicks to Houghton's three, and forced the opposing goalkeeper into six saves—several of them coming on strong Pioneer looks inside the box.
Leading the charge was junior forward Camilla Zavala, who capped her season with an assertive five-shot performance, including multiple chances that narrowly missed the target and one that required a diving stop from Houghton goalkeeper Preslee Miller. Fellow attacker
Ashley Perez also tallied five shots and continuously threatened down the right flank, especially early in the second half when she put a pair of attempts on frame.
Wayland's best stretch came late in the first half when the Pioneers earned three consecutive corners in the span of 50 seconds. Defender
Talia Gisonni, who finished with three shots and two on target, nearly converted on a driven ball toward the bottom corner, but Miller turned it away.
While Wayland pushed the tempo offensively, the back line and midfield held firm throughout the full 90.
Ashley Lopez delivered a composed performance in goal, recording three saves—including key denials in the 60th and 88th minutes—as she secured her third clean sheet of the season. The defensive unit of Chapa, Cubillos, Gisonni, and
Cecilia Lopez logged heavy minutes and limited Houghton to just two first-half shots.
Junior forward
Tannia Diaz also provided a spark off the bench, totaling two shots on goal and creating one of Wayland's best opportunities midway through the second half, forcing another tough save.
The Pioneers will close out pool play on Thursday, December 4
th when they take on 6-seed Redeemer University. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM CT.
