ABILENE – The Wildcats suffered a tough 4-1 loss at Elmer Gray Stadium on Thursday night, despite a promising start. The Wildcats struck first but were unable to hold off the visiting Golden Eagles.
Chayse Thorn gave ACU an early lead in the 19th minute, scoring her second goal of the season with a well-placed shot. The Wildcats applied pressure throughout the first half, recording eight shots, but couldn't capitalize on additional chances.
The second half proved challenging as ACU found themselves outmatched by Oral Roberts' offense. The Wildcats pushed forward but were unable to break through the defense, managing six shots on target overall.
Despite the defeat, there were strong individual performances. Goalkeeper Savanna Alba made several key saves in the first half, and backup Julia Herges added two more in the second. Thorn, alongside teammates Peyton Hill and Hannah Gage, continued to press for chances up front, but the Wildcats couldn't convert after their opening goal.
"It was good to get the first goal early on but we let them answer quickly after," said head coach Stephen Salas. "Our discipline of staying focused and on the front foot needs to be better. Down 1-2 at half we made some adjustments to counteract their movement and shape, as well as to get the game tying goal."
"ORU did a great job in possession and finding the spaces. Being a non-conference game we will learn from this and make the adjustments for our last non-conference game on the road. We know UTSA will play a different style and we will respond from tonight's performance. With our pride in team defending, I told the team this was not us. I'm excited to watch the team compete and come together against UTSA."
ACU hits the road quickly to San Antonio to face UTSA on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Wildcats will finish their non-conference season away, and start conference play at home against Seattle U on Sept. 28.
