Written by Shalom Bako

A solid 27-yard strike in minute 56 from senior forward Brittany Neill captured the home win for the lady Eagles against William Penn University Friday night.

The ladies of the women’s soccer team seemed to pick up the level of play at an escalating pace. The Eagles held a solid defense with sophomores Kati Bell and Amy Atkinson anchoring down the defense on both the left and right sides, while sophomore goalie Lauren Gregston finished the night with a shutout.

“I think we just did a good job of putting quick pressure on their forwards, and that way the wouldn’t get the chance of even shooting on goal,” said Bell.

After a beautiful display of soccer from Eagle midfield, led by junior Kahlie Reinecke, a couple of chances to score were created by the relentless offense.

Persistence paid off as sophomore midfielder Brianna Yarber assisted with a pass to Neill, who quickly turned the ball around a Statesmen defender and struck the ball with a loop over the jumping goalie.

The lady Eagles fought on for the next 35 minutes, creating several chances on goal but were unable to pull off another point.

Friday night’s victory gives the lady Eagles a 2-0-0 record for the new season so far.

Megan Gularte gave the Eagles their first tastes of victory on the season with another 1-0 win against Viterbo University on Wednesday night at the Al-Barbour home field.

The women’s soccer team heads back into action on Monday, Sept. 1, and Tuesday, Sept. 2, facing Menlo and Oregon Tech at the Oregon Tech Classic.