LONGVIEW, Texas -- LeTourneau women's soccer put up a valiant effort, but fell just short to Howard Payne, 1-0, in the 2026 season opener.
Howard Payne's Kenzie Cameron blasted a free kick from just outside the box to the bottom left corner in the 71st minute to secure the win for the visiting Yellow Jackets (2-0) on Thursday night at the Joyce Family Athletic Village.
LeTourneau (0-1) held the momentum after kickoff, sending the shots early and often. LeTourneau actually outshot Howard Payne 12-8 on the night, including four within the first 14 minutes.Â
Kinsey Fulks played nearly lights out in the opener. The reigning SCAC First-Year Player saved six of the seven shots she saw on goal, including two immaculate diving plays to the top bins.
Lana Whiteman placed one on frame for LeTourneau to end the first half, but the score remained knotted at 0-0.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were much quieter, with both teams trading runs but unable to break through.
Sarah Wyatt saw an incredible chance just before Cameron's goal, getting a free run into the left side of the box, but kicking it off the crossbar. Wyatt had six shots on the night with three on frame.
The second-half hydration break immediately followed, and Howard Payne drove down and drew the foul that led to the eventual game-winner on the ensuing possession.
Avery Gortney,
Jaye Dugan, and
Presley McIrvin played all 90 minutes on the back line, with McIrvin shining in her collegiate debut.Â
Sierra Kemball-Cook,
Natalia Vallin, and
Angel Reyes all made their collegiate debuts as well.
Landry Combs and Cadence Tischler each played a half in goal for Howard Payne, collecting three saves each.Â
UP NEXT
LeTourneau returns to the Joyce Family Athletic Village on Saturday night, hosting Wiley at 7:00 p.m.
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