FORT WORTH, TX -- Wayland Baptist women's soccer started Sooner Athletic Conference play on the right foot Saturday afternoon, earning a gritty 1-0 road victory over Texas Wesleyan at Martin Field.
The Pioneers (4-3-0, 1-0-0 SAC) struck early and then relied on stout defense and timely saves to secure their first conference win of the season.
Junior defender
Gabriella Chapa delivered the difference-maker in the 22nd minute, slotting home her first goal of the year off an assist from
Camila Zavala. Chapa's finish capped a strong sequence of ball movement and proved to be all Wayland would need.
From there, the match belonged to the Pioneer back line and goalkeeper
Ashley Lopez. The junior keeper turned away all five shots on goal she faced, including several dangerous looks in the second half as the Lady Rams pressed for an equalizer.
Wayland managed nine total shots, three on target, with
Ashley Perez and
Mallory Perez each coming close to doubling the lead before halftime. Mallory nearly scored in the 33rd minute when her strike rattled off the post.
The Pioneers showed composure in the second half, absorbing pressure as Texas Wesleyan outshot WBU 6-3 after the break. Lopez's commanding presence in net and disciplined defending from
Paula Cubillos,
Celeste Landin, and
Talia Gisonni ensured the clean sheet.
The Pioneers return to action Tuesday, September 30th, at home against
RV Mid-America Christian University in another key SAC matchup. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
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