PLAINVIEW, Texas — Wayland Baptist University women's soccer battled the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma for 90 minutes Tuesday afternoon at J.V. Hilliard Field, but an early penalty kick proved to be the difference as the Pioneers fell 1-0 in Sooner Athletic Conference action.
The loss moved Wayland to 4-4-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Science & Arts improved to 6-4-1 overall and 2-0 in the SAC.
Science & Arts scored the match's only goal in the 15th minute. Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir converted a penalty kick at the 14:37 mark to put the Drovers ahead 1-0. The goal would ultimately stand as the game-winner.
Wayland generated several opportunities to answer during the opening half. Narriah Gomez put the Pioneers' first shot on goal in the 11th minute, while Gabriella Chapa forced another save in the 33rd minute. Erin Carr also recorded a shot late in the half as Wayland went into the break trailing by one.
The Pioneers' defense and goalkeeper Ashley Lopez kept the match within reach despite continued pressure from Science & Arts. Lopez played all 90 minutes and was credited with seven saves, while Wayland also recorded a team save. The Drovers finished with 13 total shots compared to six for the Pioneers.
Wayland continued searching for the equalizer in the second half. Alexia Fregoso put a shot on frame in the 67th minute, but Science & Arts goalkeeper Rosa Lucia Forero made the save. The Pioneers produced another late opportunity when Talia Gisonni tested Forero in the 86th minute, but the attempt was stopped to preserve the shutout.
Science & Arts finished the afternoon with a 13-6 advantage in shots and a 7-0 edge in corner kicks. Wayland put four of its six attempts on goal, with Chapa, Fregoso, Gomez and Gisonni each recording a shot on target.
Despite the defeat, the Pioneers held Science & Arts scoreless over the final 75 minutes and remained within one goal throughout the match.
Wayland will look to bounce back when it continues SAC play on the road Saturday, Oct. 3, against Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
