BROWNWOOD, Texas - Howard Payne University dropped its home-opening preseason battle to Lubbock Christian University, 1-0, on Saturday night at Citizens National Bank Field.
Lubbock Christian controlled much of the possession and offensive pressure throughout the match, out-shooting Howard Payne 17-3 and holding a 8-0 advantage in corner kicks. Despite the pressure, the Yellow Jackets' defense and goalkeepers kept the game within reach for all 90 minutes.
The game's lone goal came in the 41st minute when Lubbock Christian's Addyson McElhaney found the back of the net at the 40:05 mark. The unassisted strike from a corner kick proved to be the difference as the Lady Chaps carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Howard Payne generated its best scoring opportunities in the first half. Alayna Lopez recorded both of the Yellow Jackets' first-half shots, including the team's only shot on goal, which was turned away by LCU goalkeeper Emma Wright in the eighth minute.
In goal, Landry Combs kept Howard Payne in the match during the opening 45 minutes, making seven saves while facing 10 shots. Cadence Tischler took over in the second half and added four saves of her own, making it 11 combined saves for the graduate goalkeepers.
The Howard Payne defense held firm in the second half, preventing Lubbock Christian from adding to its lead despite seven additional shots. Tischler made several key stops, including saves on efforts from McElhaney, Sydney Smith, Daniella Orellana, and Claire Jacobson.
Howard Payne finished with three total shots and one shot on goal, while Lubbock Christian placed 12 of its 17 shots on frame.
Women's soccer will now prepare for their regular season opener on September 1, traveling to Sherman, Texas to face Austin College. The match will kick off at 6:00 p.m. Central Time.
