October 1, 2024
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lady Lions extended their impressive Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) form with a commanding 3-1 win over the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Aggies. The thrilling contest took place at the Lions Athletic Complex in Waxahachie, where the Lady Lions' skills were on full display in front of an energetic home crowd.
Lady Lions Review
Despite a slow start in the first period, the Lady Lions dominated possession and created numerous chances. Nelson's forward Anna Bewley tested OPSU's goalkeeper early, but the first 45 minutes remained scoreless. The crowd witnessed a high-energy performance from Nelson, as they peppered the Aggies with shots and showed determination to break through.
Just after halftime, Daisy Altamirano found the net, slotting in a crucial goal at the 45:36 mark, assisted beautifully by Catherine Jesionek. Altamirano's strike gave the Lady Lions the momentum they needed coming out of the break, setting the stage for a thrilling second period.
Nelson came out firing after the restart, but Oklahoma Panhandle quickly responded with a goal at 46:23 from Yaddelis Alderete, assisted by Jacqueline Escalera, tying the game 1-1. However, the Lady Lions remained undeterred, and it didn't take long for them to re-establish their dominance.
At the 63:19 mark, Daisy Altamirano scored her second goal of the night, this time with an assist from Anna Bewley, to restore Nelson's lead at 2-1. The Lady Lions' relentless pressure paid off again in the closing minutes when Stephanie Arreola found the back of the net at 89:55, securing a 3-1 victory with an assist from Anzley Meza.
Head Coach Cesar España's Thoughts
Head Coach Cesar España praised his team's ability to regroup and push forward after conceding an equalizer early in the second half. "We showed resilience and composure," he said. "The team executed the game plan well, and did a great job responding when things became unsettled.
Key Performers
- Daisy Altamirano: With two crucial goals, Altamirano was the standout performer, showcasing her finishing ability and sharp instincts in the box.
- Anna Bewley: Bewley's creativity in attack was evident as she contributed significantly with assists, helping the Lady Lions maintain constant pressure on the OPSU defense.
- Stephanie Arreola: Capping the night with a late goal, Arreola's attacking presence ensured Nelson secured the win.
Team Statistics
- Shots: Nelson dominated with 19 total shots, 11 of which were on goal, compared to OPSU's 6 shots.
- Saves: Goalkeeper Tanner Sorenson was crucial between the posts, making two vital saves to keep the Aggies at bay.
- Corner Kicks: The Lady Lions capitalized on set pieces, earning 5 corner kicks to OPSU's 2.
Next Up
The Lady Lions will travel to Plainview, Texas, for their next SAC clash against Wayland Baptist University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM, as Nelson looks to continue their strong conference campaign and build on their recent success.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.