KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The William Woods University women's soccer team struck within the first two minutes of the match, but the early goal wasn't enough as the Owls fell 3-5 to Avila University.
Jamie Palermo (Santa Fe, N.M.) had the opener for the Owls and
Jordan McNamara (Blue Springs, Mo.) added a brace in the losing effort.
The Owls got the scoring going early, as
Brittainy German (St. Peters, Mo.) found Palermo in the middle of the penalty box. The sophomore slotted the ball home past the Avila goalkeeper.
Just under 10 minutes later, Avila equalized before adding a second in the 17th minute. Both goals came off the foot of Caryn Welch, with the first being assisted by Tracie Geile.
WWU leveled the match at 2-2 in the 29th minute, with Palermo finding McNamara on the top of the six-yard box. The Kansas City-area native poked the ball home from the left side of the box.
McNamara would give the Owls a 3-2 lead going into halftime, as she picked up her second goal off an assist from
Stephanie Kirvan (Sunrise Beach, Mo.).
Unfortunately, the Owls couldn't hold on to the lead, as Welch completed a hat trick in the 57th minute and added a fourth goal in the 65th minute. With WWU trying to press the attack, Avila would pick up an insurance goal in the 78th minute for the final margin.
William Woods recorded six shots in the match, with an efficient performance as all six were on goal.
Kelly Abernathy (St. Charles, Mo.) picked up 11 saves in the match as the Eagles posted 22 shots (16 SOG). Fouls were fairly even at 10-9 for WWU.
The Owls will have the weekend off, traveling to Canton, Mo., on Monday to take on Culver-Stockton College. Kickoff for that match is set for 3 p.m.
