The Basics

Score: Evangel 0, Williams Baptist 3 | Box Score

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

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Women's Soccer opened their 2025 campaign on Saturday (Aug. 23) evening, looking to open their season on a high note by taking on the Williams Baptist Eagles, a team that was picked to finish third in the American Midwest Conference. The Valor fought hard, but Eagles forward Yajaira Alvarado, a NCAA D-I transfer, finished her night with a hat trick, forcing EU to fall 3-0.

Makayla Myers and Anna Crain both recorded shots in the opening moments of the first half, but Williams Baptist would capitalize on their second shot of the evening, taking a 1-0 lead. Ava Campbell put an exceptional shot on goal in the first half that the Williams Baptist goalkeeper saved, but the Valor defense shut out the Eagles the remainder of the first half, as EU trailed 1-0 at halftime.

Williams Baptist scored a pair of goals before Evangel could record a shot in the second half, taking a 3-0 lead over EU. Campbell and McKenzie Calhoun both recorded shots on goal midway through the second half, but again the Eagles keeper kept Evangel off the board. Amaura Austell was able to take several shots in the second half that all went just high of the goal, as the Valor offense could not score a goal, falling 3-0 in their season opener.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Amaura Austell led the Valor with four shots in the loss.

• Rylie Kidman and Ava Campbell both finished with a pair of shots on goal.

QUOTABLE

"This evening was a learning experience. One of the greatest lessons learned was our pace of play in each aspect of the game was not sufficient. I stand firm on how good this team is - and we did a number of very good things tonight. We just didn't execute at the level and pace that this game demanded," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "Conceding basically the same goal three times will allow us to make adjustments a bit quicker. I hate the result and hate to lose. But, I absolutely love this group and am excited for what they will be capable of achieving!! You win some, you learn some, and tonight we learned."

UP NEXT

Valor Women's Soccer looks to bounce back and plays host to William Woods on Tuesday (Aug. 26) evening at 6:00 p.m. at Coryell Field.

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.