Columbia, MO – Stephens College soccer picked up its first win of the season Wednesday, defeating the University of Saint Mary 2-1 to improve to 1-0-1 on the year. The Stars controlled much of the contest offensively, outshooting Saint Mary 26-3 and putting 14 attempts on goal.
Stephens wasted little time applying pressure, recording several chances before breaking through in the 16th minute. Ava Leininger opened the scoring at the 15:31 mark, finishing a chance set up by Amaura Austell for her first goal of the season and giving the Stars a 1-0 advantage. Stephens continued to control the attack throughout the opening half, holding Saint Mary without a shot while producing 12 of its own.
Saint Mary responded shortly after halftime, finding the equalizer in the 50th minute to make it a 1-1 contest. The Stars continued to create opportunities, and their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Eastin Colyer found the back of the net for her first goal of the season, putting Stephens back in front 2-1.
The Stars were tested just minutes later when Saint Mary was awarded a penalty kick in the 75th minute. Goalkeeper Petra Brncova came up with a crucial save to preserve the one-goal advantage, and the Stephens defense held Saint Mary off the board for the remainder of the match to secure the victory. Brncova finished the night with two saves.
Stephens finished with a commanding 26-3 advantage in shots and a 14-3 edge in shots on goal while also earning six corner kicks to Saint Mary's one. Colyer led the Stars with six shots, including five on goal, while Leininger recorded four shots and Austell added five along with the assist on the opening goal.
The Stars now head to Iowa this weekend for their first road trip of the season. Stephens will take on William Penn University on Saturday at 12 p.m.
