ADA, Okla. – The East Central University soccer team kicked off its 2025 season with a non-conference contest against Texas Woman's University after weather-related field conditions forced their home opener to relocate to Seminole State. Facing early season injuries and a strong TWU squad, the Tigers battled through a tough 90 minutes but ultimately fell 4-0 to the Pioneers.

TWU came out aggressive, striking twice within the first six minutes to take a quick 2-0 lead. ECU attempted to respond, with Addisyn Brown and Ximena Resendiz each registering shots that just missed wide right. The Pioneers maintained offensive pressure throughout, adding a third goal at the 37:11 mark to head into halftime with a 3-0 advantage.

The second half mirrored the first, as TWU extended their lead to 4-0 in the 59th minute. However, the Tigers' defense settled in from that point forward. Timely stops and a few saves from goalkeeper Madison Mayhall held the Pioneers scoreless for the remainder of the match. Mayhall tallied six saves on the day.

Offensively, Alyssa Ward, Lauren Mora, and Madison Martinez each tried to break through with shots on goal, but ECU couldn't convert. Mora led the Tigers with two shots, both on target, while TWU outshot ECU 21-8 overall, including an 11-5 edge in shots on goal.

The Tigers will look to rebound in their true home opener on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host UT Tyler at 1 p.m. at Tiger Field.