BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Oklahoma Wesleyan University women's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday evening at the OKWU Soccer Complex. Despite building a two-goal advantage in the opening half, the Lady Eagles were forced to settle for a point after a late second-half rally from the Coyotes. Oklahoma Wesleyan showcased its attacking ability and resilience throughout the contest, extending its unbeaten run in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) competition.
The Lady Eagles came out aggressively, establishing their offensive rhythm early and applying consistent pressure in the attacking third. Oklahoma Wesleyan controlled the opening stages, creating quality scoring opportunities and earning several corner kicks as the Eagles looked to break down the Kansas Wesleyan back line.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Ashley Perez found the back of the net off an assist from Frederikke Nielsen, giving Oklahoma Wesleyan an early 1-0 advantage. The goal rewarded the Lady Eagles' attacking pressure and provided momentum as they continued to dictate the tempo.
Oklahoma Wesleyan doubled its advantage in the 35th minute when Perez struck again, completing her brace with an unassisted finish to extend the lead to 2-0. The Lady Eagles carried that advantage into the halftime break after outshooting Kansas Wesleyan 9-4 in the opening 45 minutes.
Following halftime, Kansas Wesleyan increased its attacking intensity, pushing numbers forward in search of a response. Oklahoma Wesleyan's defensive unit faced sustained pressure as the Coyotes worked to generate opportunities in the final third.
The visitors broke through in the 75th minute when America Lopez converted an opportunity to cut the deficit to 2-1. Just over four minutes later, Wendy Zamudio capitalized on a pass from Emily Martin, finding the equalizer in the 80th minute to bring the match level at 2-2.
With momentum shifting in the closing stages, the Lady Eagles remained composed defensively, working to regain possession and create opportunities on the counterattack. Despite their efforts to find a late winner, neither side was able to produce the decisive goal before the final whistle.
Perez led the Oklahoma Wesleyan attack, recording both goals on four total shots, including three on frame. Nielsen contributed an assist while registering two shots on goal, and Kirsten Bruhns, Kayla Herrera, and Isabelle Simoneau each added two shot attempts to the Lady Eagles' offensive effort.
Between the posts, Leona Kraus delivered a strong performance, recording nine saves across 90 minutes of action. Her shot-stopping ability proved instrumental in keeping Oklahoma Wesleyan in the match as Kansas Wesleyan increased its offensive pressure throughout the second half.
Statistically, Oklahoma Wesleyan held a narrow 12-11 advantage in total shots, placing seven attempts on target. The Lady Eagles also earned four corner kicks compared to Kansas Wesleyan's three. The Coyotes placed all 11 of their shots on frame, forcing OKWU's back line and goalkeeper to remain alert throughout the contest.
With the draw, Oklahoma Wesleyan moves to 11-2-3 overall and 10-0-1 in KCAC play, remaining unbeaten in conference competition. The Lady Eagles will look to build on their offensive production and defensive organization as they continue their push toward the KCAC postseason.
