Walnut Ridge, Ark. – Evangel women's soccer owned a lead in a match for the first time in program history but a second half goal helped Williams Baptist (Ark.) slip past the Crusaders 3-2 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas Tuesday afternoon.
Evangel took a 1-0 lead when freshman Courtney Hepola scored in the 10th minute. Hepola's goal put the Crusaders in front during a game for the first time in program history as the program plays their inaugural season and she was the first player for EU other than Rebekah Pell to score a goal for the team this season.
Williams Baptist tied the game 18 minutes later and then took the lead on a goal from Maria Ramirez with nine minutes left in the first half.
The Crusaders answered to tie the game 2-2 on an unassisted goal from Lesleigh Fenton just before halftime.
Williams Baptist broke the tie and took the lead for good on Sierra Ramirez's goal in the 68th minute for the game-winner.
Evangel fell to 0-5 while Williams Baptist improved to 2-2.
The Crusaders will play their first Heart of America conference match in program history Saturday as they play at William Penn at 11:30 a.m. in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Goal Summary
FIRST HALF
Evan- Courtney Hepola (Makenna Cotter) 11'
WB- Hannah Whitefoot (Maddie Mead) 27'
WB- Maria Martinez (Shelby Hammett) 37'
Evan- Lesleigh Fenton 41'
SECOND HALF
WB- Sierra Martinez (Indiana Lysaght) 68'
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