Clarksville, AR 9/3/2023- The Westminster College women's soccer team traveled to Clarksville, Arkansas for two games over Labor Day weekend. The Blue Jays faced the Hendrix College Warriors on Saturday and the University of the Ozarks Eagles on Sunday. The Blue Jays would battle but would lose both games, falling 2-0 to the Warriors and 3-0 to the Eagles.
Game One vs Hendrix: Box Score
In the first game of the season, Westminster College faced off against Hendrix College. The Warriors would pressure the Blue Jays all game, putting twenty shots on goal to the Blue Jays four. Senior goalie, Megan Davidson, put up an impressive performance by making 12 saves throughout the match and only allowing two goals to squeeze through.
The Blue Jays offense had trouble taking control of the game, but they did manage to put two shots on goal in the match. Including one corner kick opportunity in each half, showing their ability to apply some pressure and give their defense some relief.
Kaitlyn Halamicek would put a shot on goal in the 9th minute, however, the Warriors would make the save on the shot aimed for the bottom left of the net.
Then freshman forward, Destynee Orf, had a chance to score her first collegiate goal in her Blue Jay debut when she put a shot on goal in the 34th minute. Once again, the Warriors keeper would make the save, preserving the clean sheet.
While the Blue Jays would fall short in the first game of the season with a final score of 2-0, Davidsons' outstanding performance and the ability to create scoring opportunities are positive takeaways from the first game of the season, against a tough draw in the Hendrix Warriors.
Game Two vs. University of the Ozarks: Box Score
The Blue Jays would not have much time to lick their wounds, as they were right back in action on Sunday as they took on the University of the Ozarks.
As the first half progressed, the Eagles continued to press forward relentlessly, taking five shots in the first half. In the 24th minute, the Eagles attack would get a shot past Blue Jay goalie, Mia Turner, to give them a 1-0 lead. The Eagles would strike again in the 33rd minute. Just before halftime, the Eagles would score again to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
The Blue Jays would continue to battle in the second, undeterred by the score line. In the 76th minute, senior Madi Lenk put a shot on goal that was saved, and then a few moments later, Kelsey Cochran would have another opportunity to find the back of the net, but it was not to be.
The University of the Ozarks would go on to win the game 3-0 and improve to 2-0 on the season. The Blue Jays fell to 0-2.
The Blue Jays will be back in action as they host Stephens College in the home opener on Saturday, September 9th. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 P.M.
