FULTON, Mo. - Taking on crosstown foes Westminster College, the William Woods University women's soccer team dominated the run of play and the stat sheet with a 60th-minute goal from
Zoe Hargis putting the Owls in the win column to open the 2023 season.
Belle Boschert kept a clean sheet, needing just one save to preserve the 1-0 scoreline.
"I'm proud of the way we played tonight, it was a positive team effort," said Head Coach
Lauren Robb. "We held the ball well in the first half, and after a couple of changes at halftime we were able to find a bit more confidence and settle into a rhythm."
William Woods jumped out of the gates and pressured the Blue Jays immediately, with
Lexi Drbul putting a shot on goal inside of 30 seconds after the opening whistle. The Owls continued to push the offense, forcing Westminster's Megan Davidson into seven saves over the first half hour of the contest.
Boschert was briefly tested in the 42nd minute, as Bella Carter found herself in possession in the final third. The shot was easily pushed wide by WWU's keeper, and the ensuing corner was immediately cleared.
Hannah Loethen nearly opened the scoring in the 49th minute, but her shot was well collected by Davidson. She would strike paydirt in the 60th minute, however, as she dribbled past a pair of defenders on the left side and drove a cross into the middle. Hargis ran onto the ball perfectly at the top of the six-yard box and redirected the ball into the right side netting.
Westminster had a solid chance to equalize in the 86th minute, as a through ball found Kelsey Cochran. Boschert was quick and aggressive off her line, however, cutting down the angle and forcing Cochran's shot just wide and off the left post. The WWU keeper won the footrace to the loose ball and cleared the danger, with the Owls running out the clock for the win.
Woods earned five corner kicks on the night to just a pair for Westminster and held a 12-1 edge in shots on goal.
The Owls open the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, hosting former AMC rival Park University at Firley Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
