Coyotes Handle Eagles in Rivalry Match

SALINA, Kan. – Annika Holtorf scored her first collegiate goal in the second half but by then the damage had been done: Kansas Wesleyan (6-5-0, 6-0-0 KCAC) cruised to a 5-1 victory over a shorthanded Avila team (2-7-4, 2-4-1 KCAC) on Saturday evening in Salina.

The Coyotes have won the majority of the matches in what has become a heated rivalry in the KCAC, but the last few contests have all been close, dating back to Avila's first win in the series in March of 2021. This time, however, the Coyotes were in control early, scoring twice in the first 22 minutes to take an early lead. Kansas Wesleyan goalkeeper Allison Blumenthal made a great save to deny Kirryn Killingsworth on a penalty kick midway through the half, and a few minutes later Alison Magni converted on her chance from the spot to give KWU a 3-0 lead at the halftime break.

The Coyotes quickly scored in the second half to make it 4-0. Avila produced a good team highlight halfway through the period by building up offense perfectly from the defensive third, marching down the field and getting the ball into the box, where Holtorf beat Blumenthal for her first collegiate goal in the 64^th minute.

KWU's Maleia Jackson countered that tally with her hat trick goal in the final ten minutes to put a bow on an impressive performance for the Coyotes, who remained unbeaten in league play with their sixth straight league win. Saida Soriano earned the start in goal for the shorthanded Eagles and made five saves, while Kenan Ebel got the start at centerback and played more than 80 minutes in her first appearance in the field as an Eagle.

Avila women's soccer has now made it through the toughest part of its schedule, and the path should get much smoother from here. A path back to the KCAC Tournament is still fully in sight for the Eagles, and their bid to get back on track will begin this Wednesday at The Z against Sterling. Kickoff is slated for 1 PM; as always, you can watch all the action on the Avila Sports Network.