Big Win for Women’s Soccer vs. Big 12’s Baylor

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Kenzie Jones, Sports Editor, @KenzieScribbler

Gabi Campbell, Photographer, @angelikagabriella

Baylor’s women’s soccer team suffered their first loss of the season as Utah Valley earned a 2-1 win at tonight’s home opener at Clyde Field. This marks the first win of the season for the lady Wolverines and the crow of 1,355 fans where there to celebrate with the team.

It was an exciting from the start as UVU took early possession and kept the ball on Baylor’s side for the first 5 minutes of the game. The aggressive nature of the lady Wolverines attack lead junior Kasandra Anderson to score the first goal of the game. It was an impressive feat taking one touch off a deflection and rocking into the upper 90 just 3:37 into the game. Also marking the first goal given up by Baylor in nearly 200 minutes to start the season.

The Bears eventually took command of possession and tied the game in the 33rd minute. Running down the sideline, Natalie Huggins served a cross to Ashley York who sent the ball as a strike to the upper corner. Baylor ended the half tied 1-1 with edges in shots (7-3) and shots on goal (3-2).

Baylor continued to dominate play in the second half as they peppered UVU’s defense. The Wolverine goalkeeper, Jessica Duffin, was up to the task and recorded five saves on the night, three of which were in the second half alone. In the 84th minute Sydney Fitzpatrick and Sarah Cipperley set up Kim Stratford for a shot. The senior midfielder fired with her right foot and the ball found the back of the net after deflecting off of Baylor’s Michelle Kloss’ gloves.

In a frantic attempt at tying the score, the Bears had one last opportunity in the 90th minute for redemption via a corner kick and a chance to run a set piece. Justine Hovden lobbed the corner into a crowd of players and BU’s Sarah Moghadas was able to control the ball and get a shot off, but UVU’s Caitlin Mortensen was there to deflect it out of the box as the clock ticked down the last ten seconds of the match.

Friday’s match marked the first of seven home games for Utah Valley. The lady Wolverines next face off against Boise State on Sunday afternoon at 2:00p.m. MT on Clyde Field, Orem, UT.