GOODWELL, Okla. — The Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies women's soccer team suffered a narrow defeat against Mid-America Christian University on Tuesday. The Aggies battled to the end in a 3-2 loss. The Aggies displayed relentless energy and determination, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match.
Emma Daskalov ignited the Aggies' scoring, netting the first goal in the 18th minute. Daskalov's shot found the back of the net, giving OPSU an early lead. However, MACU responded five minutes later when Gladis Avalos scored off an assist from Annika Gerdau, leveling the game 1-1.
The Aggies regained momentum in the second half when Jacqueline Escalera broke through MACU's defense in the 60th minute, putting OPSU back in the lead. As the match progressed, MACU equalized with a goal from Brae Baker in the 81st minute. A late strike from Gerdau in the 88th minute sealed the 3-2 win for MACU.
The Aggies fought hard and played with heart, showing resilience until the final whistle. "I saw a lot of fight from my team, and it showed that we can compete with any team," said Coach McAlpine. The girls have risen to the occasion of playing two tough teams back to back. This one was definitely a heartbreaker, but I am very proud of my team."
OPSU took this home game as an opportunity to honor the student-athletes who are seniors this year with a senior night ceremony. The women's soccer players recognized were Jacqueline Escalera, Jamie Wood, Dayana Murillo, Andrea Garza, Katelyn Fitzgerald, Abby Day, and Lindsey Harris.
The Aggies will await tomorrow's matchup between Wayland Baptist University and Southwestern Christian University to determine postseason play.
