WINFIELD, Kan.— The Southwestern College women's soccer team will hit the road Wednesday, Oct. 15, looking to keep its KCAC momentum alive when it travels to Springfield to take on Evangel University in a key late-season conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
The Moundbuilders (3-5-3, 3-2-3) have shown resilience in conference play, earning points in six of their last eight matches. Despite a narrow 1-0 setback to Tabor last weekend, Southwestern continues to build confidence behind a disciplined defense and opportunistic offense that has scored in five of its last six outings.
Leading the attack is junior forward Millie Hazzard, who tops the Builders with three goals and three assists for a team-best nine points. Kaitlyn Walker has been equally vital up front, netting three goals and providing two assists. Abigail Webb and Natalie Belanger have chipped in offensively, combining for three goals and one assist on the season.
Anchoring the defense is senior goalkeeper Hayden Clark, whose .821 save percentage ranks among the best in the KCAC. Clark has recorded 69 saves and three shutouts this season, giving Southwestern a steady presence between the posts.
Evangel (5-6-1, 3-4 ) enters Wednesday contest following a 3-2 win over York. The Valors have leaned heavily on standout forward Amaura Austell, who has tallied six goals and three assists, and Makayla Myers, who's added three goals and three assists of her own. However, Evangel's defense has shown vulnerability, allowing 27 goals through 12 matches, an average of 2.25 per game.
In contrast, Southwestern has allowed just 15 goals in 11 matches, a testament to its organized back line and the shot-stopping prowess of Clark.
This matchup renews a recent series that has favored the Moundbuilders. Southwestern owns a 1-0-1 record against Evangel in the last two meetings, including a 2-1 victory in 2023 and a scoreless draw in Springfield last season.
With postseason positioning on the line, Wednesday contest carries added weight. A road win would solidify Southwestern's hold on the upper half of the KCAC table and extend its unbeaten streak against the Valors.
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Coryell Field in Springfield, Missouri.
