OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 2-ranked Johnson County Community College women's soccer team opened its 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southwestern Illinois College on Saturday afternoon at the JCCC Soccer Complex.

With the win, the Cavaliers improve to 20-6-1 all-time in season openers and 22-5-0 in home openers.

Freshman forward Darby Howard, a highly decorated prep standout from Bishop Carroll, made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut by assisting on both JCCC goals. She set the tone just four minutes into the match, finding Ella Hamonds for the opening score, then later provided the decisive pass to Brecken Hoy for the game-winner in the 71st minute. Howard's two-assist effort is the most by a Cavalier in a season opener since August 30, 2019.

In goal, sophomore transfer Avery Young was a steady presence, stopping 10 of the 11 shots she faced. Her 10 saves tied the program record for most in a season opener, matching Rachel Konomos' mark set on August 28, 2003—22 years ago.

Johnson County returns to action Tuesday, August 26, traveling across town to face Metropolitan Community College at 7 p.m.