PLAINVIEW, TX – The No. 3-seeded Wayland Baptist Women's Soccer team continues its postseason journey Friday, November 6, as the Pioneers travel to Chickasha, Oklahoma, to face No. 2-seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) in the semifinals of the 2026 Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Women's Soccer Tournament at McLaughlin Field.
Wayland enters Friday's semifinal matchup with an overall record of 10-5-2 after securing an impressive 4-0 shutout victory over No. 6 Nelson University in Tuesday's SAC Tournament Quarterfinals. The Pioneers finished third in the SAC regular-season standings with a 6-2-1 conference record, earning a top-four seed and advancing to the conference semifinals.
The Pioneers delivered a complete team performance in their quarterfinal victory, highlighted by two first-half goals from Erin Carr. Camila Zavala and Ashley Perez each added second-half goals, while goalkeeper Ashley Lopez recorded eight saves to preserve the shutout.
Wayland now prepares for a challenging semifinal matchup against a Science & Arts squad that enters the contest with a 12-5-2 overall record and a 7-1-1 mark in conference play. The Drovers earned the tournament's second seed after finishing second in the SAC regular-season standings.
The two programs previously met on September 29 in Plainview, where Science & Arts escaped with a narrow 1-0 victory. Friday's semifinal presents the Pioneers with an opportunity to avenge that loss and secure a spot in the SAC Tournament Championship.
Wayland Head Coach Alex Castaneda expressed confidence in his team's preparation and emphasized the importance of the opportunity ahead.
"We are excited for the opportunity to compete in the SAC Tournament Semifinals against a very good USAO team. We know what the challenge looks like, having lost 1-0 to them during the regular season, but this is a new game with everything on the line. Our group has worked hard to earn this opportunity, and we understand what it takes to compete at this stage. We respect USAO, but our focus is on ourselves, executing our game plan, and playing with confidence, discipline, and belief. At this point in the season, it's win or go home, and we're ready for the challenge," said Castaneda.
The Pioneers have demonstrated significant progress throughout the 2026 campaign after entering the season picked seventh in the SAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Wayland exceeded those expectations by finishing third in the regular season and advancing to the conference semifinals.
With a championship berth on the line, Wayland will look to carry the momentum from Tuesday's dominant quarterfinal victory into Friday's elimination matchup. The winner will advance to the SAC Women's Soccer Tournament Championship on Monday, November 9, against the winner of the other semifinal.
MATCH INFORMATION
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Matchup: No. 3 Wayland Baptist (10-5-2) vs. No. 2 Science & Arts (12-5-2)
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Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM
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Location: McLaughlin Field – Chickasha, Oklahoma
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Previous Meeting: Science & Arts defeated Wayland Baptist, 1-0, on September 29.
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What's at Stake: A berth in the SAC Tournament Championship on Monday, November 9.
2026 SAC Women's Soccer Tournament Bracket
