Belmontes Goal Lifts Statesmen to Win Over Avila

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Kansas City, Mo.–The Statesmen women’s soccer team did just enough to get a much-needed road win Saturday, defeating Avila 1-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

WPU (6-5, 3-4 Heart) held a 14-13 edge in shots over the winless Eagles (0-13, 0-7 Heart) and managed to put one of those tries in the back of the net for the day’s lone score.

Graciela Belmontes (Sr., Salinas, Calif., Biology), who missed the team’s last game, returned in grand fashion with an unassisted goal at the 27:28 mark. The goal is her second of the year.

Raunice Butler (Jr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) paced the navy and gold with six shots, while Mariah Voight (Jr., La Mesa, Calif., Psychology) added three more.

The defense, led by Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology) with six saves, made sure Belmontes’ goal held up for WPU’s third shutout of 2017.

This is the program’s best start through 11 games since 2013 (also 6-5).

“This was a good road victory for us at a place we have struggled at in the past,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We underperformed at times, but fully deserved the win in the end.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Marshall, Mo. Tuesday to face Missouri Valley in Heart action at 6 p.m.