September 17, 2022

Waxahachie, TX: A non-conference game between Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) and Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) took place at Life High School in Waxahachie. The LSUS women's soccer team came into the match having established themselves in the national spotlight after tying No. 23 Georgia Gwinnett and earning votes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) coaches top 25 polls. Dawniella Torres, who gives the Pilots squad countless scoring opportunities up top because of her quickness with the ball, was chosen as Pilot of the Match in LSUS' 4-1 victory against SAGU rival Texas Wesleyan University, presenting a significant challenge to the Lions defense. 

Lions Review

• The Lady Lions' adept corner kicker Valeria Olivas Maldonado immediately put the Pilots under pressure with well-placed kicks.

• Rylee Thatcher blocked the initial attempt on goal by LSUS attacker D. Torres.

• To score the contest's opening goal, Alexis Roman eluded the LSUS goalkeeper and sent a shot racing to the back of the net.

• Rylee Thatcher displayed exceptional composure in the game's opening period by blocking multiple shots from LSUS. 

• Thatcher fully stretched and sprang to deflect a Pilot shot off the top of the goal post with 20 minutes left in the first half.

• Y. Vazquez eventually broke through the SAGU defense to tie the game at one going into halftime. 

• In the opening minute of the second half, C. Schmidt would score for LSUS.

• Paula Moreno Gomez would make graceful movements along the sideline in an effort to tie the game.

• The gameplay became increasingly rough in the second half, and the Pilots' overzealous defending would result in Lady Lion's free-kick attempts.

• Let's go, SAGU, let's go!" was chanted by the home fans as they supported their club.

• The Lady Lions eventually fell short 2-1.

Paul's Pondering

"We had the 1-0 lead and attempted to take advantage to keep a clean sheet. Goalkeeper Rylee Thatcher had a stellar performance tonight that kept us in the game. We appreciate all our SAGU fans who came out to support us," SAGU women's soccer head coach Paul Hason commented.
 

The Next Step

On Tuesday, September 20th, the Lady Lions will travel to Abilene, Texas, to face the McMurry War Hawks.

As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.