The Basics

Score: Evangel 2, Williams Baptist 0 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (1-0-1), Williams Baptist (0-3-0)

Location: Walnut Ridge, Ark. (WBU Soccer Field)

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Valor Women's Soccer traveled south to Arkansas on Friday (Aug. 30) afternoon to take on the Williams Baptist Eagles, in search of their first victory this season. A strong second half after a scoreless first proved to be the difference as Evangel came away with a 2-0 victory on Friday.

The Valor came in to Friday's game wanting to apply pressure on the Eagles defense. Evangel outshot the Eagles 11-4 in the first half, but neither team could find the back of the net, as shots from Ava Campbell, Kylee McKay, Sophia Weeks, and Maddy Wanner all were stopped by the WBU goalkeeper. After 45 minutes of play, both teams headed to the locker room with a 0-0 tie.

Evangel's offensive pressure increased in the second half, as the Valor got off 15 shots, four more than the first half total. At the 54th minute, Evangel found their way into the box and a strong pass from Alece Hershey found Dajah Boykin's feet, as Boykin nailed home the goal to put the Valor ahead 1-0. After a dry period of offense, LoriAnn McClellan took a free kick after a foul on Williams Baptist. Her kick was aimed towards the top right post and found its way into the goal, putting Evangel ahead, 2-0. The Valor defense closed out the game on a high note, not allowing a goal to be scored by the home team, taking a 2-0 victory on the road.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Evangel outshot Williams Baptist, 26-10, in the win on Friday.

• LoriAnn McClellan scored the second goal of her collegiate career in the win, while Dajah Boykin added the fifth of her career.

• Alece Hershey added the lone assist on Friday, the third of her career.

• This is Evangel's sixth win all-time against Williams Baptist.

QUOTABLE

"While it took a bit to really get going, I am excited how we adjusted in the second half to earn the win. Two shutouts to start the season with both keepers doing a nice job when called upon to deal with their attack," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "We moved the ball much more effectively and adjusted to their compactness to create the chances. I'm glad we converted two of them to get the win. LoriAnn's goal was beautiful and it was awesome to see the reaction of her teammates when it went in! Dajah's goal was all about making the right run to get into position to finish the ball! I'm proud of the work the ladies put in today!"

NEXT UP

Evangel travels to Fulton, Mo., next Wednesday (Sept. 4) evening to take on the Williams Woods Owls at 5:00 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.