FULTON, Mo. -- The William Woods University women's soccer team host crosstown foe Westminster College on Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. The game is a White Out Night presented by White Dog Promotions.
The Owls come into this afternoon's contest with a record of 2-3-1, looking to snap a three game winless streak. They are 0-2-1 over their last three matches and haven't won since a 2-1 victory over the University of Ozarks on Sept. 3. The Blue Jays are 1-5 on the year and come to Firley Field looking to halt a two game losing streak where they have been outscored 9-1 during the stretch.
Last Time Out
William Woods earned a 1-1 draw on the road at Culver-Stockton College.
Ashley Deckard scored a goal in the sixth minute off of a
Jordan McNamara assist to give the Owls the early 1-0 lead. The Wildcats were able to strike back quickly as they knotted the game in the 11th minute. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second half, forcing the 1-1 tie. Junior goalkeeper
Kelly Abernathy recorded a season-high 12 saves during the match.
Off To A Fast Start
Freshman
Jordan McNamara has started her William Woods career off with a bang. Through her first six collegiate games, McNamara has scored five goals and two assists. She netted the game-winning goal in the 90th minute on the road at the University of the Ozarks.
A Smooth Transition
Junior
Jamie Palermo is adding soccer to her William Woods athletic resume this year by joining a second Owls squad. During her first two years at WWU Palermo has been a member of the women's golf team. The two-time NAIA first team All-American decided to play soccer in addition to golf this year. Last spring Palermo finished third at the NAIA National Golf Championship. She is no stranger to success on the soccer field as she was a four-time all-state selection in New Mexico during her high school career. Through her first six games Palermo has scored three goals, including a game winner against Central Baptist College, and added three assists.
Best Of The Best
Three Owls are ranked in the top five in the American Midwest Conference in several categories going into this afternoon's match. Freshman
Jordan McNamara ranks second in the AMC in goals with five and third in points with 12. Junior
Jamie Palermo is tied for second in the league in assists with three, while junior
Kelly Abernathy sits in a tie for third place in saves with 47.
Home Sweet Home
The Owls will be playing their first game at Firley Field in 17 days. In fact, this will only be the second home game for the women's soccer team this season.
“We haven't been on campus very much as of late," said coach
Randy Hall. "We're coming home to a big game by playing a team that is across town. It gives our girls the opportunity to showcase who they are and what they can do in front of a home crowd and we are looking forward to that.”
A Look at Westminster College
The Blue Jays are 1-5 on the year. Westminster's lone victory came as 3-2 decision over Iowa Wesleyan. Westminster has been outscored 21-4 in six matches and shut out in four of their games. Freshman LaTayisah Ousley leads the team in goals with four.
Previous Matches
It has been seven years since these two Fulton colleges have met on the soccer field. It was back on Oct. 13, 2005, where the Owls scored a 2-1 victory.
Coaches Corner
“Westminster has not had a lot of success this year. We expect to be able to take care of business by performing well. This game could be somewhat of a challenge for us because we have suffered several injuries over the last week. They have caused us to move some girls to different positions and play bigger roles for our team. Right now, we are looking to see who can perform in their new position.”
