OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Panhandle State women's soccer team (6-7-2) put up a valiant fight as the sixth seed facing third-seeded, RV Oklahoma City (14-2-2) on Wednesday evening in the SAC Quarterfinals, but it ultimately fell, 3-0.
 
The result brought Panhandle State's best season in program history to a close, as it topped the previous wins mark set in 2024 by two victories. The top two seasons have both come under head coach Ken McAlpine, as he also wrapped up his second year with OPSU.
 
The Aggies' defense was aggressive, determined and disciplined throughout the first half on the road, denying any good looks for the Stars while allowing the OPSU attack to control possession for decent stretches at a time.
 
OCU got on the board, however, in the 41st minute when an unfortunate deflection in the box redirected the ball into Panhandle State's goal.
 
The Stars preserved their 1-0 lead into halftime and well beyond, but it was Aggie goalkeeper AlaraLynn Gunderson who really shined as the night wore on.
 
Through 80 minutes in the quarterfinals match, Gunderson had made seven saves without allowing a goal from official OCU shots. The Edgewood, New Mexico, native also was aggressive getting to the ball to stop potential threats on crosses, keeping the Stars at bay.
 
As the clock on the scoreboard ticked down, however, Oklahoma City recorded back-to-back goals in the 81st and 83rd minutes, and it ultimately did not allow the Aggies to get a shot off in the second half.
 
Gunderson concluded her night with nine saves, while Yaddelis Alderete and Emma Contreras took the only two OPSU shots. Alderete landed her strike on target.
 
What's up next: With Panhandle State concluding its best season to date, one that saw the program break its single-season record for goals per game, it looks to develop from within and retool to build upon sustained success. Though the team figures to lose six players to graduation – including primary goalkeeper AlaraLynn Gunderson, defenders Celeste Maldonado and Cayla Hoch, and the program's all-time leading scorer, Emma Daskalov – plenty of starting, experienced talent could return for the Aggies, holding the promise of a bright future for OPSU soccer.