Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s soccer team knocked a big monkey off its shoulder as it slipped past Heart of America Athletic Conference foe Avila 1-0 in double overtime Saturday.

After playing scoreless with the Eagles (2-5-1, 0-2 Heart) for 107 minutes, Camila Parra (Jr., Brisbane, Australia, Exercise Science) and the navy and gold finally broke through.  Bre Johnson (Jr., Arvada, Colo., Information Technology) sent a ball into the box and Alyce Correia (Sr., Perth, Australia, Elementary Education) had a touch on it before Parra put it in the back of the net for her first goal of the season at the 107:58 mark.

Parra’s goal snaps a four-game scoreless stretch for William Penn (3-5, 1-2 Heart).  The Statesmen dominated much of Saturday’s action with a 17-4 edge in shots, including four each from Parra and AnnaMarie Urps (So., Wilton, Calif., Physical Education).

Adriana Borjon (Sr., Willits, Calif., Exercise Science) came up with three saves for her first shutout of the fall.

“We got tonight’s result because we did not give up on each other and finally made the pressure count,” Head Coach Willie McGowan said.  “I am really happy for the team.  We have been in that position a few times this year and came out on the losing end, but tonight they kept believing in themselves and it worked.”

“We have shown a few times this year how good we can be and how far we have come as a program in the last few years,” McGowan added.  “We just have not hit the back of the net enough this season and hopefully this result can spur us on a bit and give us the confidence to take the chances when they arrive.”

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Wednesday to host Grand View in Heart action at 5 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage