Eagles Start Conference Play with Takedown of Threshers

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Avila women's soccer took the notion of the start of conference competition being the beginning of a new season to heart: three different Eagles found the back of the net to help Avila (1-3-3, 1-0-0 KCAC) start KCAC play with a 3-1 win over Bethel (2-4-1, 0-1-0 KCAC) on Saturday evening.

All the challenges that came with the nonconference schedule this season are in the rearview, and Avila took full advantage of the opportunity that comes with the first conference game of a season. The Eagles quickly developed some chances early, with Kirryn Killingsworth cranking one shot off the crossbar and getting another shot saved by Victoria Esquivel inside the first eight minutes of the match. Kenan Ebel made her return to the net for the Eagles and returned serve with a save of her own shortly afterwards.

The saying goes that you have to take advantage of the opportunities your opponent gives you, and the Eagles certainly took that message to heart on Saturday. The Eagles pounced on many Thresher turnovers, and ultimately created all three of their goals off Bethel giveaways. The first came just under 20 minutes in when Allyssa Marti intercepted a pass and blasted a shot from better than 30 yards out for her first collegiate goal, and the second came with just two minutes left in the half when Morgan Pettlon intercepted a pass of her own and scored from a similar distance to put Avila ahead 2-0 at the intermission.

Bethel came out on the attack to start the second half, forcing Ebel to make three saves in the first ten minutes and change. Ebel and the Eagle defense consistently did a good job of cutting off shooting lanes and making clearances on loose balls, minimizing the number of quality chances Bethel had in its comeback bid.

Finally, Avila put the result out of reach with one more insurance goal. Bethel was trying to pass the ball back to Esquivel for a restart, but Killingsworth read it perfectly and cut the pass off, cutting to the outside of the box and sliding the shot home to put Avila up 3-0 with nine minutes to play. Reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week Claire Hedlund managed to score with under four minutes left to spoil the shutout bid, but by then it was done and dusted: Avila walked away with a 3-1 win.

There were multiple positive signs for the Eagles on top of the good result. Marti's goal gave Avila a lead in the match for the second time this season, and the Eagles, who have scored nearly all of their goals in second halves, scored twice in the opening 45 for the first time and took a lead into the intermission for the first time. Killingsworth attempted six shots and put three on target; Ebel finished with eight saves; Suzie Lopez got the start at centerback and played well across 90 minutes.

Up next, Avila women's soccer will return home to The Z for their first home KCAC doubleheader of the season this Wednesday, September 21 against Friends. The women begin the festivities at 2 PM with the men to follow around 4:30. As always, you can watch all the action on the Avila Sports Network.