By Chad Hixon
Originally, the Oxford College women's soccer team was scheduled to begin its season on Friday evening against Georgia Perimeter.
However, apparently Mother Nature had different plans in mind.
Due to lightning, the game was canceled and re-scheduled for a later date to be determined. Oxford fans were forced to wait another two days to watch their Lady Eagles in action for the first time this season.
It was worth it.
If Sunday was any indication of good things to come for Oxford, then this particular group is going to have a strong season of its own.
Behind a strong second half effort, Oxford defeated Spartanburg Methodist, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon at Bivings Field. The Lady Eagles were able to do so in a game marked by warm temperatures and hot tempers.
Oxford controlled the ball for a large portion of the first 45 minutes, but was unable to capitalize against a depleted Spartanburg team riddled by injuries. The Lady Eagles were able to get some shots on goal in the first half; however, none of them found the back of the net.
Oxford sophomore co-captain Olivia Lezanski nearly gave her team the lead before her shot eluded the goalkeeper, just missing wide right.
Spartanburg was not able to muster a legitimate threat against the Oxford defense in the first half. In fact, the visitors from South Carolina did not get off a single shot on goal during the first half of play.
For the first 20 minutes of the second half, the teams traded possessions. But during the 68th minute of action, Oxford freshman Arielle Hayden lobbed the ball over the opposing goalie into the net, giving Oxford a lead it would never relinquish.
The Lady Eagles were now in full control of the game.
In the 80th minute, Lezanski got into the scoring action when she buried a ball into the back of the net.
The Lady Eagles are coming off a season in which they went 12-2-6 overall, reaching the NJCAA national semi-finals.
Oxford will compete in a tournament beginning Saturday at noon at Herkimer Community College in Herkimer, N.Y.
