Women’s Soccer Drops Rivalry Match versus Saint Mary

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – One goal in each half was enough to lead Saint Mary (2-2-2, 2-0-1 KCAC) to a 2-0 win over Avila (2-6, 2-1-0 KCAC) on Wednesday evening in Leavenworth, lifting the Spires to a victory in a matchup between local rivals and handing the Eagles their first defeat of the conference campaign.

In the women's soccer contest, the first matchup this season between the two KCAC squads based near Kansas City, the Spires' defense led the way to a shutout victory over the Eagles for the second straight season. USM only led in the shot department 10-7, but Avila was held without a corner kick, and Spire goalkeeper Marisol Vargas was credited with six saves to keep the Eagles, who had scored seven goals over their first two league games, off the board for the first time in conference play.

Kate Erpelding got the Spires on the board in the 20^th minute, and Jaidyn Yingling doubled the score off an assist from defender Erin Walden in the 60^th minute. Avila did a good job of keeping USM's typical offensive threats like Katy St. Martin and Kaylee Shaw in check. Both Amaris Sigler and Annika Holtorf put two shots on goal for the Eagles; Korynn Peregrine played the full 90 minutes on defense; Kenan Ebel was credited with three saves in the loss.

Up next, the Eagles return to The Z for their third home conference game of the campaign when the Sterling Warriors come to town this Saturday, September 23. The women's game kicks off the doubleheader at 1 PM with the men's game to follow at 3:30; as always, you can watch all the action on the Avila Sports Network.