October 28, 2023

Waxahachie, TX - The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lady Lions soccer team faced a challenging match against the John Brown University (JBU) Eagles in a crucial Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) showdown at the Lions Athletic Complex in Waxahachie, Texas. The game held special significance as the Lady Lions honored their graduating seniors Lydia Johnson, Paula Moreno Gomez, Zoe Boldt, Emily Gonzales, Beatriz Rodrigues, Ebony Penaflor, and Kyra Smith in a heartfelt ceremony before kick-off.

The pre-game ceremony was a time of reflection and gratitude, celebrating the achievements and dedication of the SAGU Women's Soccer program's seniors. The focus of the event was to glorify God, express thanks for the numerous blessings He has bestowed upon the program, and convey gratitude for the seniors' impact both on and off the field as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Lions Review
The game kicked off with a sense of determination from both sides, but with eight minutes remaining in the first half, JBU managed to secure the game's opening goal. SAGU's goalkeeper, Zoe Boldt, was instrumental in keeping the Lady Lions in the game, making four crucial saves in the first half. Her poise and agility in the box were commendable as she faced five first-half shots on goal from the JBU side.

On the offensive front, Anna Bewley and Paula Moreno Gomez showcased SAGU's aggressive intent by taking all the shots in the first half. It was evident that the Lady Lions' offense was ready to be fearless and assertive against their top-ranked opponent. Going into the second half, SAGU trailed 1-0, but Head Coach Paul Hason encouraged his team to focus on unselfish ball movement and effective communication to mount a comeback.

The second half saw Valeria Olivas Maldonado and Alejandra Ruiz step up their aggression. Their efforts contributed to a stronger and more connected SAGU defense. One of the standout moments of the second half was Zoe Boldt's miraculous diving save. Despite her heroic performance, JBU managed to add two more goals in the closing moments of the game.

The Lady Lions ultimately lost the contest 3-0, but their relentless effort was commendable. Zoe Boldt finished the game with an impressive nine saves, showcasing her skills as a shot-stopper. However, John Brown outshot SAGU, recording 16 shots to the Lions' eight. JBU also had 12 shots on goal, compared to SAGU's one.

Up Next
The Lady Lions will now gear up for the opening round of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship scheduled for November 7th at 6:00 PM. As they move forward, they will carry the memories of this special senior day ceremony with them, and the lessons learned on the field will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation for the challenges that lie ahead.

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.