FULTON, Mo. -- Annie Graber (Aspen, Colo.) came up huge on both ends of the pitch as the William Woods University women's soccer team prevailed 3-2 over in-town foe Westminster College. The freshman struck the game-winning goal for the Owls in the 69th minute and preserved the win clearing a shot out of the six-yard box in the 73rd minute.
The Owls had most of the early attack, nearly opening their account in the first minute.
Jordan McNamara (Blue Springs, Mo.) saw her effort saved by Courtney Howe.
Jamie Palermo (Santa Fe, N.M.) also saw her first chance saved in the ninth minute.
A silly foul in the midfield allowed Westminster to take a 1-0 lead, as Katie Seyer converted a free kick from about 30 yards out. The well-struck ball carried to the back post, sneaking inside the upper 90.
The Owls were able to tie the game in the 39th minute, as a corner kick from
Ashley Deckard (Granite City, Ill.) fell into a crowd of players in the six-yard box. After rattling around in the mob, the ball squirted to
Stephanie Kirvan (Sunrise Beach, Mo.) and the senior blasted it home.
Westminster was able to get back on top in the 42nd minute, as Katie Koonce was able to beat
Kelly Abernathy (St. Charles, Mo.).
The Owls came out of the half pressing, nearly picking up the equalizer in the 51st minute. A shot from McNamara had the goalkeeper beat, but didn't drop under the crossbar.
William Woods would draw level in the 53rd minute, however, again converting off a corner kick. Deckard served up an inswinger, that looked to be comfortably in the reach of the Blue Jay goalkeeper, but it fell instead to
Amy Faus (Waterloo, Ill.). Faus was able to get a touch on the ball through a pair of defenders, putting the ball into the net.
The hosts pulled in front in the 69th minute, on a spilled save from Howe. Palermo hit a low line drive to Howe's right, and while the Westminster keeper got behind it, the ball squirted to the top of the 18. Graber sprinted on to the loose ball and blasted it into the net.
Westminster looked certain to have tied the game in the 73rd, as Kylie Huck unleashed a shot that had Abernathy beat. Graber was collapsing on the play, however, and cleared the ball safely into touch.
The Owls held on for the win, finishing with a comfortable 20-10 edge in shots. Abernathy recorded five saves in the match to pick up the win for WWU, who moves to 3-3-1 on the year.
William Woods hits the road to open the AMC schedule on Tuesday, visiting league newcomers Benedictine University at Springfield. Kickoff for the match is set for 7 p.m.
