OWENSBORO, KY. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's soccer team open its season with loss to the University of Montevallo on Thursday evening. The Panthers could not overcome two goals in the first 20 minutes as the Falcons took home a non-conference victory. 
 
The Falcons open the 2023 campaign with a goal in the second minute of the match. Kieran Burkey snuck through the Panthers defense as Elizabeth Burns was pulled to the opposite of the net. Burkey easily put-away the first tally of the night. Kaeri Ward added another goal in the 20^th minute. 
 
Ward benefited from a defection from Tori Ochoa whose shot caromed off Burns and right in front of Ward. The Falcons (1-0) went into intermission with a 3-0 lead. They added a goal in the 66^th minute and two in the final 15 minutes to come away with a 6-0 win. 
 
Claudia Melgar recorded the Panthers lone shot on goal while Burns made three saves in the first half. Kassidy Elkin also made three saves in the second half. 
 
The Panthers will travel to Lebanon, Illinois on Wednesday for a match-up with McKendree University. The match is scheduled to start at 5 PM CT.