Columbia, MO - The Stephens College soccer team earned a 1-0 road victory over Hannibal-LaGrange University on Tuesday afternoon, controlling the match offensively before breaking through with a second-half goal from Addie Butler. With the win, the Stars improved to 6-4-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
Stephens established control early, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half. The Stars recorded 10 shots and five corner kicks in the first 45 minutes, consistently applying pressure to the Hannibal-LaGrange defense. Amaura Austell, Ava Leininger, Butler, Eastin Colyer, Pixie Willis and Lana Fernandes Plagge each put shots on goal, but the Trojans' goalkeeper kept the match scoreless heading into halftime.
The Stars continued their offensive push in the second half, adding nine more shots and four corner kicks. Abi Leake nearly broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when her shot struck the crossbar, keeping Stephens searching for the go-ahead goal.
The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Butler found the back of the net at the 73:44 mark, giving the Stars a 1-0 advantage. Stephens maintained control throughout the remaining minutes, holding Hannibal-LaGrange without a shot to secure the road victory.
The Stars dominated the offensive statistics, outshooting the Trojans 19-0, including a 9-0 advantage in shots on goal. Stephens also held a 9-0 edge in corner kicks.
Leake, Austell and Colyer led the offensive effort with three shots apiece, while Butler and Fernandes Plagge each added two. Butler finished with two shots on goal, including the game-winning goal, while Austell and Colyer also placed two shots each on target.
Defensively, goalkeeper Petra Brncova recorded the shutout without facing a shot, as the Stephens back line prevented Hannibal-LaGrange from generating any offensive opportunities.
The victory marked the Stars' fifth win of the season and second conference victory as Stephens continued its conference campaign.
