NIKKI WOOD HELPS PRODUCE A WIN FOR WOMEN’S SOCCER

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Playing on their home turf for the first time in 2025 gave Avila women's soccer a much-needed win on Wednesday afternoon, defeating the visitors from Oklahoma Panhandle State, 3-2.

Avila opened the scoring early, as Cali Lasater scored off a perfect feed from Madison Barnes to give the Eagles a quick 1-0 lead barely 30 seconds into the match.

The Aggies equalized three minutes later and added a second in the 15^th minute. Both of Oklahoma Panhandle's goals were the results of perfectly-executed corner kicks.

A great defensive play from Nikki Wood in the 37^th minute saw the junior steal the ball from the Aggie keeper in the box and pass it to a streaking Lydia Maninno, who smashed the ball into the back of the net for the equalizer as the two teams neared halftime.

Both teams played back-and-forth soccer in the second half, but it was the first half's hero who came through again in the second half.

With time winding down, Nikki Wood scored off her right foot off two perfect passes from Samantha Lasater and Joselyn Clark to give the Eagles the eventual game-winning goal.

Wood finished her afternoon with a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Shae Sweeney produced one of her best performances in an Avila kit, stopping four Aggie shots. 

The Eagles have a bit of time off before their next match, opening KCAC play as they take on Bethany on September 19 at The Z at 1 PM.

 (photo credit: Victoria White)