KANSAS CITY - Junior forward McKenzie Gourley had a goal and an assist as the Lady Owls opened their season with a narrow loss to the Lady Eagles on Tuesday afternoon.
Avila University (6-3-0) scored in the 34th and 45th minutes to go on top 2-0.
Sophomore Sydney Balducci put William Woods University on the scoreboard for the first time this season with a goal in the 63rd minute, assisted by Gourley.
The Lady Eagles then made it 3-1 when they scored in the 65th minute.
Gourley accounted for the Lady Owls' other score on an unassisted goal in the 78th minute.
William Woods bowed despite outshooting Avila 19-8, including 10-6 in shots on goal. The Lady Eagles owned an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Freshman CeVana Borgstedt - who split time in goal with senior Arianna Meikel - recorded three saves for the Lady Owls.
William Woods starts American Midwest Conference play against Harris-Stowe State University at 1 p.m. Saturday in St. Louis.