DENTON, Texas – An early goal held up the entire game for Texas Woman's as they registered their first victory at their new home venue, Pioneer Soccer Park, Saturday night against Oklahoma Baptist.
 
At 9:02 into the game, sophomore Haley Ward took her first shot, which was initially blocked by a Bison defender. Ward fought for her rebound and her second shot was successful as it got past OBU goalkeeper Emily Griffth.
 

"We got that early goal in the first ten minutes and that definitely gave us a cushion," head coach Babak Abouzar said. "It was definitely a battle but credit to our team for fighting through the adversity."

 
The Bisons (2-4), coming off a victory against Midwestern State on Thursday, played an aggressive game. Their strong attack kept freshman goalkeeper Jazmine Maxwell, making her collegiate debut, working hard the whole night and collecting five saves. 
 

"For a freshman's first start in goal, the moment wasn't too big for her," Abouzar said. "She rose to the challenge, she made some really big saves, stopped some crosses and stopped [the Bisons] from being able to get on the end of them."

 
In the first half, TWU (3-2) had five shots to OBU's four. Both squads made adjustments at halftime as the offensive production more than doubled in shot attempts in the second half at 11 for the Pioneers and nine for the Bison. Ward led with a game-high seven shots, five on goal, while freshman Keely Chapman and OBU senior Emmily Infante both tallied four shots each, two on goal. 
 

"Their system of play is very unique and it's very hard to deal with," Abouzar said. "I think we defended a little more that I would have liked, but when we were able to get the ball we were able to penetrate and get forward."

 
Texas Woman's conducted a pre-game "First Kick" ceremony to recognize the many constituents that contributed to the construction of Pioneer Soccer Park. University administration, led by Chancellor and President Carine Feyten, were greeted in the center circle and kicked soccer balls to members of the Pioneer team.
 
TWU is back at the PSP Monday at 7 p.m. in a rescheduled, non-conference game against Dallas Baptist.