DENVER – The Regis University women's soccer team began its final homestand on Senior Day and gave an impressive defensive effort as the Rangers defeated Colorado Christian, 1-0, on Friday at Regis Match Pitch.

"We took a goal in the first 32 seconds on a great individual effort, recognition of the defense not closing here, and she took the shot, the goalkeeper kind of spilled it into the goal and we took a 1-0 lead, and we thought it was off to the races," said coach J.B. Belzer. "CCU is a very well-coached side that is disciplined in how they defend, and they proved to be a tough nut to crack the rest of the day.

"Through our own inefficiencies, there were some great keeper saves on their part. But ... I am incredibly pleased with the shutout. You're always excited when your team produces a shutout."

How It Happened: Just 32 seconds into the game, freshman midfielder Madison Hand shot the ball from long range which then bounced in front of and out of the reach of junior goalkeeper Ashleigh Maguire and into the back of the net for the Rangers' 1-0 lead, which wasn't ever surrendered.
 
From that point on, Regis displayed an incredible defensive performance that not only didn't allow a point but also prevented the Cougars from getting a shot off throughout the entire first half.
 
In fact, Colorado Christian's only shot-on-goal occurred in the 87th minute when freshman forward Saige Stock attempted a long-range shot. However, junior goalkeeper Julia Coombs was there to meet the shot for the save in the bottom-left corner of the goalbox en route to earning her fifth shutout on the year.

"Julia [Coombs] had to make one save late off of a restart," Belzer said. "The ball got deflected, and she was able to smother it, and preserve the lead, and [it was] their only shot on the goal all day."
 
RU dominated on offense, winning the shots count by a 19-2 margin, while easily taking the shots-on-goal score with an 8-1 mark.
 
Game Notes: Hand (1 G, 4 S, 2 SOG) had the game's only score, which was the game-winner. Sophomore forward Gia Lemley (2 S, 2 SOG) had both her shot attempts on-target. Junior forward Carly Bych (2 S, 1 SOG) and senior midfielder Tori Rinsem (2 S, 1 SOG) each had a shot on-goal, while redshirt junior defender Emily Goodson (1 S, 1 SOG) and freshman defender Ella Palmer (1 S, 1 SOG) both had their respective lone shots on-target. Coombs (1 SV) recorded her fifth save on the year.

Prior to the match, senior forward Chevonne John, Ramos, Rinsom and junior defender Abbey Wester were all honored on Senior Day.
 
Up Next for the Rangers: The Rangers improve to a 9-3-2 record overall and a 7-2-1 record in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play. In an effort to avoid forecasted inclement weather, Regis will forgo its day off to host Colorado School of Mines (12-2-1, 8-1-1 RMAC) at Regis Match Pitch on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Belzer was pleased with the matter of the win and hopes his team can do the same on short rest.

"[It's] important that we were able to get the win, get the three points, and prepare for our match against School of Mines tomorrow, less than 24 hours from now," Belzer said.