University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Soccer Kicks Off 2016 Season With Win Over Southern Nazarene

9/2/2016 10:51:00 PM | By: Chris Brannick

BETHANY - The University of Central Oklahoma women's soccer team defeated Southern Nazarene 3-1 on Friday in the season opener at Wes Harmon Field in Bethany.

Mike Cook, entering his 19th year as head coach of the Bronchos, got a brace from senior Darla Hyde, and another goal from sophomore Katie Killion to propel the Bronchos to victory.

Killion won the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Freshman of the Year award in 2015 after leading UCO with 10 goals and six assists. She's part of a sophomore class that in one short year, gained loads of experience to give the Bronchos a positive outlook for 2016.

But it was the senior Hyde, that put in the work on Friday.

Hyde came into the match as a sub in the first half, and capitalized quickly. Kenzie Sublett took a corner kick in the 33rd minute. Morgan Cherry tried to get up and head the ball toward the goal, but barely connected and the ball drifted to Hyde, who smashed home the score.

In the second half, Hyde subbed in again, and again, took advantage of a tiring SNU defense. Cherry took a shot in the 78th minute and Hyde was there to knock in the score off the rebound.

"Darla has been out for a couple of years with different injuries so it's great to see her comeback strong and score a couple of goals," Cook said. "That's good for her confidence."

Sophomore Ally Salls started in goal for Cook, and played the full 90 minutes. Salls made six saves on the night while only allowing one goal.

Salls' best effort may have been the deciding factor in the match as she thwarted two consecutive Southern Nazarene shots in the second half, turning away SNU's best offensive attack of the night.

UCO travels to Shawnee on Monday to take on Oklahoma Baptist. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories