BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State University women's soccer team secured a 3-1 victory over the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats, fueled by a second-half offensive outburst.
 
Ekaterina Theoharidis and Ximena Arnau (2) led the second half scoring surge, securing Northwest's first win of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Leyah Scott made her season debut, collecting three saves all in the first half.
 
With a win today, Northwest improves to 1-1-1 overall, as Southwest Baptist drops to 0-2-1 on the season. 
 
The first 45 minutes saw a defensive deadlock, with both teams struggling to find the net despite 13 combined shots—nine from Northwest. Each side managed three shots on target.
 
The momentum shifted after halftime when Theoharidis ignited Northwest's offense, scoring her third goal of the season in the 65th minute. Theoharidis has now found the back of the net in every game this season.
 
Shortly after, Ximena Arnau joined the action, scoring her first goal of the season in the 82nd minute to give the 'Cats a 2-0 cushion. Arnau wasn't done, scoring again just three minutes later in the 85th minute, pushing the lead to 3-0 and recording her first multi-goal game of her career.
 
Southwest Baptist battled until the end, spoiling Northwest's shutout with a goal in the 87th minute from Kendal Weiskopf.
 
Northwest dominated the match, firing off 19 total shots (nine on-goal), while holding Southwest Baptist to just seven shots (four on-goal).
 
Northwest will return home for its home-opener against the No. 2 ranked Grand Valley State University Lakers on Friday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m.