September 2, 2023

Victoria, TX - In an exciting match that marked their first road contest of the 2023 season, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lady Lions soccer team traveled to Victoria, Texas, to face off against the University of Houston-Victoria on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The stage was set for a showdown between two determined teams, and the Lady Lions did not disappoint with a thrilling comeback performance.

First Half Action
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were hungry for victory. The Lady Lions showcased their offensive prowess, launching a series of attacks that kept the University of Houston-Victoria's defense on high alert. The home team, however, displayed resilience, defending their goal with determination. In the first half, the Lady Lions remained scoreless, and Houston-Victoria was able to net one score, with both teams showing excellent defensive capabilities.

Second Half Surge
The Lady Lions came out with renewed energy and focus as the second half kicked off. Still, their initial relentless efforts did not pay off as Houston-Victoria performed back-to-back well-executed combination plays that led to precise strikes that found the back of the net. Despite trailing 3-0, the Lady Lions continued to press forward, looking to disperse their opponent's advantage.

A Stellar Comeback Display
The match continued to be a tough defensive battle, with both teams locking down scoring opportunities. The Lady Lions' offense, led by standout performances from their strikers and forwards Stephanie Hernandez, Paula Moreno Gomez, and Anna Bewley, rose from under pressure. They freed themselves for three unassisted goals consecutively unanswered by the defense. The most marvelous goal was the game-tying shot from Anna Bewley, which happened within thirty seconds of the previous Lady Lion score, showcasing their commitment to snapping their lead.

Draw in Victoria
As the final whistle blew, the SAGU Lady Lions celebrated a hard-fought comeback in their first road contest of the 2023 season. 

Paul's Pondering 
Coach Paul Hason praised the team's performance, emphasizing teamwork and resilience. "It's always challenging to play on the road, especially against a strong opponent like the University of Houston-Victoria," Coach Paul Hason also went on to say, "To compete is a choice. To be down 3-0 in the second half and come back to tie the game 3-3 with a few minutes left reveals our team's resilience and competitive spirit."


Next Step
The SAGU Lady Lions soccer team's draw in Victoria sets a positive tone for the 2023 season. With their first road contest under their belt, they now look forward to more exciting matches ahead. Fans can't wait to see what this talented team will achieve as they strive for excellence on the soccer field.

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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.