Schreiner women’s soccer program drops pair of matches

The Schreiner University women’s soccer team suffered back-to-back defeats over the past week, falling 2-1 at Howard Payne on Sept. 11 and dropping a 3-0 home decision to East Texas Baptist on Sept. 13.

The Mountaineers (1-2-0) nearly salvaged a point in Brownwood but couldn’t complete a comeback against the Yellow Jackets (4-1-0) at Citizens National Bank Field.

Howard Payne struck first in the eighth minute when Abbie Wetzel found the back of the net off an assist from Kaylin Greger. The Yellow Jackets held that slim advantage through halftime despite Schreiner creating several scoring opportunities.

Schreiner finally broke through in the 60th minute when Haley Withers scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Kailey Ellsworth. The equalizer appeared to shift momentum in favor of the visitors.

However, Howard Payne answered quickly. Sydney Tate scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 72nd minute, with Kendall Watkins providing the assist.

The Mountaineers outshot Howard Payne 6-5 in corner kicks but were edged 13-5 in total shots. Goalkeeper Emilie Novasad made six saves in the losing effort.

Two days later, Schreiner faced East Texas Baptist at home but couldn’t generate enough offense in a disappointing 3-0 shutout loss.

The Tigers (2-1-2) controlled the match from the start, outshooting the Mountaineers 11-7. All three goals came in the second half as East Texas Baptist pulled away.

Ryan McClain opened the scoring in the 65th minute with assistance from Caroline Smith. Nine minutes later, Giselle Laredo doubled the lead off a pass from Kady Spears. Mallory Duncan capped the scoring in the 78th minute with an unassisted goal.

Schreiner managed just two shots on goal throughout the match. Goalkeeper Jayden Ford, making her first start of the season, recorded three saves but couldn’t prevent the shutout.

The Mountaineers struggled to create sustained offensive pressure, managing only nine corner kicks compared to East Texas Baptist’s four. Abby De Hoyos led Schreiner’s attack with two shots, while Haley Withers added one shot on goal.

The losses drop Schreiner to 1-2-0 on the season as they prepare for their next challenge. The team will need to address offensive consistency and defensive lapses that have plagued them in recent matches.