WEATHERFORD – Freshman Kinsey Geasland scored twice, including the game winner in the 84th minute, to lift SWOSU Soccer past Oklahoma Baptist 2-1 in Wednesday's Great American Conference opener and annual Pack the Park match.
The Bulldogs improved to 3-1-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
Geasland entered the league schedule leading the GAC in goals, points, shots and shots on goal. Her first collegiate multi-goal performance pushed her season total to five goals through seven matches. She has now scored in four of SWOSU's seven contests.
SWOSU controlled the match statistically, outshooting Oklahoma Baptist 27-8 and holding a 14-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Bulldogs put 15 attempts toward goal in the first half and added 12 more after halftime while earning eight corner kicks.
That pressure allowed SWOSU to overcome an early deficit after the Bison scored just over five minutes into the match. Geasland provided the response in the 28th minute, finishing a setup from Madelyn Kitchen to pull the Bulldogs even before halftime.
The score remained tied deep into the second half despite continued pressure from SWOSU. Saoirse Hourigan hit the crossbar as part of a six-shot night, while Braelee Epp placed each of her three attempts on goal.
Geasland eventually broke the deadlock with late in the contest. Sarahi Delgadillo supplied the assist on the deciding goal as the Bulldogs completed the comeback.
Geasland finished with seven shots and four on goal. Krysta Hook added three attempts with two on frame, while Kitchen and Delgadillo each recorded their first assist of the season. Lelu Lamb made two saves in a complete-game effort to earn the win.
SWOSU will continue GAC play on the road Saturday against Southern Nazarene. Kickoff is scheduled for noon in Bethany.
A special thank you to Heston Wright and Wright Media for their continued support of SWOSU Women's Soccer and Pack the Park. Students in attendance had the opportunity to win a Wright Media swag pack through the Social Media Trivia Contest, along with a $1,000 scholarship courtesy of the SWOSU Foundation. Wright Media also continued its longstanding support of the Bulldog Soccer program with a donation presented to Athletic Director Todd Helton and Head Coach Mark Persson at halftime. Wright Media President Heston Wright attended SWOSU and currently serves on the SWOSU Athletic Association Board of Directors. Wright Media is home to the WestOK Weekly newspaper, Wright Wradio, which includes five radio stations, and Wright Media video broadcasting, which provides digital, video, and audio streaming services for seven area high schools and SWOSU. Heston and the Wright family have a longstanding connection to SWOSU and continue to make a meaningful impact on the university and its students through their support of SWOSU Athletics, scholarships, and other initiatives.
Many thanks also to Shane and Kim O'Daniel with Flying L Ranch, LLC, Bar-S Foods, SWOSU Residence Life and Housing, and the SWOSU College Activities Board for their generous support in making SWOSU Women's Soccer Pack the Park possible.
