(KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 31)--The William Woods University women's soccer team dropped its season opener at Avila University on Tuesday. The Owls lost 1-2 to the Eagles.

Avila scored the first goal of the match in the 12th minute. Jamie LeMaster scored off a corner-kick to give Avila the early lead. The Eagles held the 1-0 advantage until the 35th minute of play.

Junior Kristen Pelley (St. Peters, Mo.) scored on a free kick from about 40 yards to even the match at one. Pelley's kick cleared the defense and found room inside the left corner. The Eagles and Owls went into the half tied at one.

AU (1-0) scored the game winning goal in the 84th minute. On the match, AU outshot the Owls 10-3. The Eagles also led the match in shots on goal (7-3).

Sophomore Anna Hatfield (Desoto, Ill.) had four saves for the Owls in the loss.

WWU (0-1) will return to action on September 4 and 5. The Owls will play Bethel College (Kans.) and the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kans. William Woods will play Bethel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, and the University of St. Mary at noon on Sunday.