TWO PKs HELP PROPEL WOMEN’S SOCCER TO SEASON-OPENING WIN AT BAKER

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – Penalty kick goals from a returning senior leader and a newcomer plus a goal from the reigning KCAC Freshman of the Year propelled Avila women's soccer to a 3-1 victory at Baker on Thursday afternoon.

The win marked Avila's first win in a season opener since 2020.

Both teams got on the scoreboard early in the 2025 campaign with the Eagles striking first.

Less than 10 minutes into the contest, great defensive pressure from Avila saw the Eagles bring the ball into the Wildcat box with a pair of shots on goal. Reigning KCAC Freshman of the Year Cali Lasater was taken down by a Baker defender to earn a penalty kick opportunity for Avila.

Senior captain Annika Holtorf stepped to the spot and buried the ball to the left of the keeper to give Avila an early 1-0 lead.

Baker answered back almost immediately. A misplayed goal kick put Baker back on attack, scoring to tie the game at 1-1 before remaining scoreless for the remainder of the first half.

Coming out of the locker room, both teams looked to get the go-ahead goal. It was Avila who took advantage.

More great defensive pressure from Avila and Cali Lasater set up another scoring chance.

For the second time in the game, Lasater drew a PK opportunity after great defensive transition. This time it was freshman Lauren Shrout who stepped up and used her powerful right foot to bury the ball right down the middle past the keeper.

Scoring from a senior and a freshman gave Avila a 2-1 lead.

Strong defensive play, including seven saves from Eagle goalie Mia Kristensen kept Avila up for the remainder of the second half.

Late in the match and after drawing two penalties herself, it was Cali Lasater's turn to get on the scoresheet.

The sophomore used her speed to dribble from midfield and sneak a shot past the Baker keeper for her first goal of the season and the team's third of the game for Avila with under one minute in regulation. The goal helped her squad pick up a 3-1 win in the season opener.

Avila outshot Baker 13-9 in the match and Kristensen's seven saves were a game-high.

With a 1-0 record to start the season, the Eagles will have a tough test next week as they travel to Arkansas to face NAIA No. 7 John Brown on August 29 at 5:30 PM.