SALINA, Kan. — Kansas Wesleyan University's developmental athletic teams are making waves early in the season, delivering strong performances and showcasing the depth of talent across multiple sports. From the soccer pitch to the volleyball court and football field, KWU's future stars are gaining valuable experience and proving they're ready to compete.
Women's Soccer:
The women's soccer developmental team opened with a hard-fought 0–2 loss to Hastings, conceding the second goal in the final seconds while pressing for an equalizer. Despite the result, the team delivered one of its best all-around performances, creating numerous chances and showing high energy across the board.
KWU bounced back with a 3–0 win over Southwestern on Sept. 2. Abby Perez scored her first collegiate goal, assisted by Emma Bachman, followed by goals from Grace Arteaga and Ameera Al-Maksosi. Goalkeeper Lauren Schwien and the back line recorded a clean sheet.
On Sept. 7, the team continued its strong form with a dominant second half and another shutout. Marlee Walsh and Kam Ojeda each scored their first college goals, both assisted by Bachman, who now has three assists on the season.
Coyotes Women's developmental team will play a out of conference match up as they travel to Olathe to face MidAmerica Nazarene University on September 23rd at 3:00PM.
Football:
KWU's football developmental squad impressed with a 45–8 win over Bethany. Coach Snyder praised the team's execution and effort, highlighting the value of giving young players meaningful reps in practice and competition.
"This was a great experience for our players," said coach Snyder "You could see how much they've developed."
Offensive player of the game was tight end James Adams. Adams had a touchdown catch and was instrumental to the Coyotes run game.
Defensive player of the game was line backer Zach Weaver. Weaver forced a fumble and had an interception for Kansas Wesleyan.
Special team MVP was Ty Butler. Butler was 100% on extra points for the Coyotes and drilled a field goal.
The developmental squad will have a very competitive out of conference scrimmage today (Sept.22) as they travel to Atchison Kansas to face Benedictine College at 4:00PM.
Men's Soccer:
The men's soccer developmental team showed resilience in a comeback win, led by standout performances from Simon Fischer, Linus Poster, and Mathias Muniz. After conceding before halftime, the team responded with goals from Mario Young, Jackson McKnight, and Muniz, finishing with 16 total shots.
Earlier, the team defeated Bethany 6–1 on Aug. 28, with six different goal scorers and dominant play throughout. Muniz and Fischer were named top performers. A 0–2 scrimmage loss to CMU on Aug. 29 offered lessons in attacking clarity, but the team's overall trajectory remains strong.
Coyote's next developmental match up is at JRI Stadium on September 25th against Sterling College starting at 7:00PM
Volleyball:
KWU's volleyball developmental teams—Purple and Gold—opened their seasons with competitive showings. Purple went 1–1 at Friends University's developmental tournament, narrowly falling to Bethel JV in five sets before defeating Coffeyville 3–1. With a roster full of freshmen, the team showed poise and potential.
Gold faced a tough test against two-time defending national champion Cowley College. Despite a 0–3 loss, KWU pushed Cowley to set point in the second set and gained valuable experience against elite competition.
The Coyote Classic Developmental Volleyball Tournament
The Purple and Gold developmental volleyball teams delivered strong performances at this weekend's volleyball tournament. Gold finished undefeated, while Purple showed resilience with a comeback win after a tough start.
Purple opened Friday with a 0-3 loss to John Brown University (20-25, 13-25, 24-26).
Shelby Davidson led with seven kills (.278), and
Paitlynn Martin added 19 digs with a 2.2 passing rating. The team totaled eight blocks.
On Saturday, Purple bounced back with a five-set win over Friends University (25-19, 25-14, 25-27, 21-25, 15-5).
Delaney Bond led with 13 kills (.440),
Andrea Hernandez hit .222 with five kills, and libero Zelly Muhammed had 21 digs and three aces. Setter
Nicole Magouirk contributed 20 assists and eight digs.
Alesa Bolden sealed the fifth set with four kills and three blocks.
Gold swept both matches, starting Friday against John Brown (25-12, 25-18, 26-24).
Jenna Hayhurst and
Lainey Wall combined for 12 kills,
Harley Ludacka had 17 assists, and
Malia Smith led the defense with 21 digs and a 2.3 passing rating.
Saturday's match against Ottawa ended in another sweep (25-13, 28-26, 25-22).
Ryan Pennington posted 11 kills (.276), three aces, and 10 digs.
Aidyn Lagergren added 10 kills (.318), and
Ava Renner had eight kills with no errors. Smith remained consistent with 19 digs and an ace.
Both squads showed promise and depth, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.
Purple squad's next match will be at Bethany College at 7:00 PM today (Sept.22).
Gold squad's next match will be at Cloud Community College at 6:30 today (Sept.22)
To find more information of our Developmental Programs ( Scheduals, Rosters, and Live stream Links) visit kwucoyotes.com
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