By Jeffrey Swindoll
Sports Writer
Baylor soccer capped off their weekend in Utah with a huge 2-1 win over No. 23 Brigham Young University.
In front of 4,500 fans in Provo, Utah, Baylor stunned BYU with a goal just moments before the halftime whistle thanks to senior forward Justine Hovden’s strike in the 44th minute. Baylor took advantage of its chances, putting all five of its shots on goal.
The Lady Bears exited halftime with eagerness to pressure BYU, even with the one goal in hand. It paid off again for Baylor with another big goal to widen the gap against BYU as freshman forward Precious Akanyirige earned her first goal of her college career.
Akanyrige’s goal came just one minute after the second half kickoff, dispatching BYU to climb an unexpected two-goal deficit for the remaining 44 minutes. BYU made it interesting in the dying embers of the game after a handball in Baylor’s penalty area.
BYU’s Elisabeth Phillips converted the penalty kick with just over a minute left in the game, but Baylor hung on to their one goal lead to earn a massive road upset. Baylor’s defense and goalkeeper was tested by BYU’s onslaught of shots and offensive power. BYU out-shot the Lady Bears 14-5 with 8 shots on goal.
The Lady Bears (3-1-0) return to Waco to play Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. at Betty Lou Mays Field.
