FULTON, Mo.- On a scorching day in mid-September, William Woods (3-5-1, 1-3-1 HAAC) earned their first Heart of America Athletic Conference win versus Graceland University (3-4-2, 0-3-1 HAAC) on a ridiculous push in the final minutes of play.
The Yellowjackets cracked the scoring column first scoring two goals in short succession netting the pair in the 12th and 24th minutes. The Owls were able to trim the deficit to one in the 19th minute. Junior midfielder Macie Parmer started the play on the outside lofting a pass into the box to Zoe Lockhert, who received it and immediately dished it to Bri Reynolds who netted the shot past the Jackets goalkeeper. The sophomore from Kearney, Missouri, has more than surpassed her one goal total from a year ago in a very impressive second year campaign.
Going into the half, Graceland outshot Woods 15-3 forcing Sierra Hahn to nine saves in the first 45 minutes of play.
In the 61st minute, the Yellowjackets extended their lead to two goals in what felt like the nail in the coffin for the Owls.
The Woods narrowed the Graceland lead to one, again on a goal from Reynolds who notched her sixth of the season. The Owls had two significant chances to score in the next ten minutes but were unable to convert.
In the 85th minute, standout transfer junior KG Malefo found herself all alone on the near side of the field with only the keeper to beat. Malefo belted a shot to the back of the net that was narrowly missed by the Graceland keeper, leveling the score at three.
With the game tied and the clock ticking towards zero, most in attendance thought the game would end in a stalemate. However, Woods was able to gain possession with 15 seconds left on the clock. The ball was cleared up field towards Malefo, who shook her defender and spiraled a shot that landed in the back of the net with just five seconds remaining to take a 4-3 lead over the Yellowjackets. The remaining time ticked off the clock, leaving The Woods with their first Heart of America Conference win.
Woods travels to Marshall, Mo., to take on the Missouri Valley Vikings on Tuesday night. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
