OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets women's soccer team earned its first Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) win of the season on Wednesday evening, defeating William Penn University 2-1 at Drost Field.

With the victory, Graceland improves to 4-3-2 overall and 1-2-1 in Heart play, while William Penn drops to 1-7-1 overall and 0-5-0 in the conference.

Graceland opened the scoring early in the first half when Chloe Montera found the back of the net in the 11th minute on an unassisted effort. The midfielder created space outside the 18-yard box and drove a shot past the keeper for the 1-0 lead.

The Yellowjackets added a second goal in the 67th minute. Following a sustained possession in the attacking third, Mariam El Mir Tartouri scored off a combination play assisted by Nuria Garcia and Chloe Montera. The goal stood as the eventual match-winner.

William Penn pulled one back late in the 87th minute, when Lilly Cote converted a penalty kick to narrow the score to 2-1. However, Graceland's defense absorbed the late pressure to see out the match.

Freshman goalkeeper Alexis Porter earned the win in goal, making five saves on six shots on target. Porter was especially active in the second half, turning away a series of attempts as the Statesmen searched for an equalizer.

Graceland was outshot 11-8 overall but equaled William Penn in shots on goal, 6-6. The Yellowjackets made the most of their opportunities and executed well in transition moments and midfield recovery.

Defensively, Graceland was solid, limiting William Penn's chances to low-percentage shots or efforts from distance. The Yellowjackets committed 12 fouls to William Penn's 10 and took three corner kicks to the Statesmen's one.

Two yellow cards were issued to William Penn, one just seconds after kickoff and another in the 85th minute, reflecting the physical tone of the match.

After the result, head coach Randall Porter acknowledged the importance of securing points in conference play:

"It's nice to get a win after being close the last few games. This wasn't our best-played game, but getting a win in this conference is never easy. We'll take it and move on to Saturday."

Graceland received strong contributions from its midfield unit, with Montera registering a goal and an assist, while Garcia added an assist from her defensive role. Tartouri's finish marked her first conference goal of the season.

Emma Billings took the loss in goal for William Penn, finishing with one save and two goals allowed in 90 minutes of play.

UP NEXT: Graceland returns home to host Missouri Valley College on Saturday, September 27 at 5:00 p.m. CDT at the Rasmussen Sports Complex in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland women's soccer and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com