Bethany, Okla. – The East Central University women's soccer team competed in their first Great American Conference match on Friday in Bethany, Oklahoma, defeating Southern Nazarene University 3-2 for their first win of the 2022 season.
 
"SNU gave us some trouble and the team was able to come back twice and take the game," Head Coach Riley Bailey said. "The effort was outstanding, and we had some great individual efforts to keep us in front. Proud of the fight and determination we showed tonight."
 
SNU was on the attack early in the match, taking the first shot two minutes into play and then connecting to the net in the 13^th minute to take the 1-0 lead. Shots by Olivia Witte, Jocelyn Caracheo, Tanja Bauboeck, Paige Jones, and Alexis Perez were all denied before Abbie Morris was able to get one on target and force the tie just seven minutes later with the first goal for the Tigers. The tied score lasted for three minutes before a counterattack by the Crimson Storm put SNU back on top 2-1 going into halftime.
 
The second half would begin much like the first with the Crimson Storm firing the first shots, but two saves by McKenna Leveling would prevent SNU from increasing their lead. ECU was able to tie the game once again with Alexis Perez scoring a goal in the 58^th minute off an assist by Cambori Watson. But the momentum didn't stop there for the Tigers as Kaylee Bruce scored a minute later to take the first lead of the game 3-2. SNU would attempt six more shots with no breakthrough, leading to a road game victory for ECU.
 
The Tigers would finish the contest with 22 shots, 12 on goal while limiting SNU to 15 shots and nine on target.
 
The East Central University women's soccer team will be back in action at Tiger Soccer Field Thursday, Sept. 22 to face Southwestern Oklahoma State University in a GAC matchup at 3 p.m.