Zena Lifts Eagles to Win in AMC Opener

HANNIBAL, Mo. (10/11/25) – The Williams Baptist University men's soccer team opened American Midwest Conference play with a 2-0 victory over Hannibal-LaGrange at Blackwell Field on Saturday afternoon.

WBU was outshot by HLGU 16-14 in the match, but the Eagles placed eight shots on goal.

Henrico Zena scored both goals for Williams. His first came in the 18th minute off an assist from Lucas Belinello. Hannibal threatened to equalize with a shot on goal in the 44th minute, but Eagles goalkeeper John Smith made the save to keep the score at 1-0 into halftime.

Zena added a much-needed insurance goal in the 53rd minute, and the Eagles' defense held firm the rest of the way to preserve the shutout.

Smith earned his first win as an Eagle, recording six saves in 90 minutes in his second career start.

The victory snapped a six-match winless streak for Williams. The Eagles improved to 3-6-2 overall and 1-0 in AMC play.

WBU returns to the pitch Tuesday, Oct. 14, to host Harris-Stowe. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at the WBU Soccer Field.