FULTON, Mo.— On a very muggy afternoon in Mid-Missouri, William Woods women's soccer (2-3-0, 0-2-0 Heart) kicked off the first game of the Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader against Culver-Stockton College (4-1-1, 2-0-0 Heart). Despite a well-rounded effort, Woods ultimately fell short by a 2-1 scoreline.
The Wildcats began their offensive campaign early, firing the first shot of the contest at Owls keeper Sierra Hahn just two minutes into the match. The shot sailed through the football uprights but set the pace early for the Culver-Stockton approach.
Woods responded with a counterattack that focused on playing the ball out of the back line and toward midfielders making runs up the pitch. The approach gave the Owls multiple opportunities to push forward, but several runs resulted in offside calls, giving the Wildcats possession.
Culver-Stockton was the first team on the scoreboard, netting a goal in the 22nd minute. Isabel Herrera, a junior wingback from O'Fallon, found the back of the net for her first goal of the season following an excellent combination play inside the box, giving the Wildcats an early lead.
Both teams continued to apply offensive pressure, forcing each keeper to make saves in the ensuing minutes. Woods finally found its equalizer in the 34th minute following a key round of substitutions. WWU junior Olivia Menard slotted a shot just past the outstretched arms of the keeper in a one-on-one opportunity, just seven minutes after entering the match.
Hahn turned away another would-be goal late in the opening half, preserving the tie heading into the break.
Culver-Stockton netted the deciding goal 18 minutes into the second half. Lola Weise struck after an excellent pass from Rian Moore brought the Owls keeper off her line. Woods fired off three more shots in the second half but was unable to find the equalizer.
Hahn collected four saves between the posts, while the Wildcats recorded six shots on frame. C-SC led the way in corner kicks, 6-2, while Woods held the advantage in fouls, 8-5.
Woods is back in action this weekend with another Heart matchup against the Missouri Valley Vikings. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Marshall.
