The Tabor College women’s soccer team celebrated its first win in nearly two years with a 3-1 victory over Oklahoma Wesleyan Sept. 24 in Hillsboro.
The win snapped a 21-game losing streak for the Bluejays, and was deeply rewarding for senior squad members, including Kelly White, who was on the field when Tabor tasted victory against Friends almost two full years ago. The Bluejays defeated the Falcons 3-2 on Oct. 18, 2006 in Hillsboro.
Tabor got off to a fast start against Oklahoma Wesleyan, when junior Jessica Burden scored off a pass from sophomore Leigh Costello.
Burden’s goal was the only goal for Tabor in the first half.
Oklahoma Wesleyan tied the score at one early in the second half, but the Bluejays would not be denied. Costello scored the second goal on a free kick in the 74th minute for a 2-1 Tabor lead.
Costello was named KCAC “Player of the Week” on Monday.
Senior Joanna Pyle added an insurance goal late in the match to secure the victory.
“I was very proud of the women's performance,” a relieved coach Grant Brubacher said. “We’ve showed continued improvement and we will need further improvement as we enter the conference season.”
The women improved to 1-5 in non-conference games.
The men’s side, meanwhile, recorded its second shutout of the year, beating Oklahoma Wesleyan 1-0 at home.
Senior Silas Hibbs provided the only goal of the match, despite the Bluejays registering 13 shots on goal. Tabor’s defense allowed only one shot on goal, making life easy for junior goaltender Aaron Schmucker.
“Our men made a good effort,” coach Grant Brubacher said. “Our defense allowed only a handful of good chances and our offense provided quality possessions and good chances at goals. It was good to get our first home win of the season.”
Coming—Tabor (2-5) traveled to Fulton, Mo. to take on William Woods University after press time Sept. 29. The women lost 4-0 rout and the men dropped a 2-1 nailbiter.
Tabor opens conference play with a homecoming match against Saint Mary at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. The women’s KCAC opener will follow.
