WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Soccer began conference play with a 2-1 victory over Southern Nazarene on Wednesday, using a pair of first-half goals to hold on for the win.

In front of a solid Pack The Park crowd, it was the Bulldogs who jumped out to an early lead in the 12th minute thanks to Braelee Epp's third goal of the season. Epp took a pass in stride from Saoirse Hourigan — her second assist of the year — and finished cleanly to put SWOSU on the board.

Later in the half, Ruth Vasquez took a throw-in just outside the box, beat a defender, and ripped a hard-hit line drive with her left foot that pierced into the back of the net to double the Bulldog lead. The strike ultimately stood as the game-winner after SNU pulled one back midway through the second half, preventing Epp's opener from being the deciding goal.

For the match, SWOSU edged SNU in shots 19-18 while both sides put seven attempts on frame. The Crimson Storm had a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks but couldn't convert that pressure into additional goals.

Vasquez led the Dawgs offensively with six shots, including three on goal, while Epp added her third score of the season and Hourigan logged her second assist. Goalkeeper Emma Young and the Bulldog backline held firm late to preserve the win.

The victory pushes SWOSU to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Bulldogs close out the opening week of GAC action on Saturday, September 27, when they travel to Shawnee to face Oklahoma Baptist at 1:00 pm.