DENVER - The Regis University women's soccer team (5-2-0, 2-0-0) hosted the Adams State Grizzlies (1-5-0, 0-2-0) under the hot sun at the Regis Match Pitch, Sunday afternoon. It was an intense battle between two fierce competitors that went down to the wire. Despite not leading for nearly 88 minutes of play, Regis' work in the weight room and their off-season conditioning allowed them to keep pushing and pull out a win.

How it Happened: It was the Grizzlies who delivered the first blow in the competition - Vaniah Vitto scored in the 7th minute, giving Adams a 1-0 lead. However, in the 22nd minute, freshman Claire Faulkner scored the first goal of her Regis career off assists from junior Madison Hand and junior Kelby Kuo, leveling the score at 1-1. 

But, ASU was quick to respond as they scored back-to-back goals just seven minutes after Faulkner's initial goal, making the score 3-1 Adams State. After the teams regrouped during halftime, the Rangers needed goals and fast. In the 70th minute, Faulkner delivered again by scoring another beautiful goal. This time, she was assisted by freshman Stella Straubing and senior Kyra Midroy. 

Now with Regis trailing by just one goal, the squad dialed up the intensity even more. The RU attackers were relentless and kept firing off shots until finally, they caught a break. While attempting an attack in the penalty box, senior Hanna Wallgren was fouled by a Grizzly defender, giving Regis a chance to tie the game with only 10 minutes left in the game. 

Head Coach Kelly Brown had the team's ace, Kuo, take the shot - and she buried it. Now with new life, Regis didn't look to settle for overtime, they wanted to end it before extra time was needed. The attackers kept up their relentless pace and finally, in the 88th minute, broke through. And guess who?  If you guessed Kelby Kuo, you'd be spot on. The junior raced past the ASU defensive core off a beautiful pass from senior Gia Lemley and found the back of the net, pushing RU ahead, 4-3. With only seconds left after kickoff, Regis held tight and won the game.

Game Notes: The Ranger's constant attack allowed the team to outshoot Adams State 34 (16) - 10 (7). Regis also had 12 corners while ASU had none. Kuo led the team with five shots (four on-goal), two goals and an assist to put a bow on it. 

Junior's Audrey Teague and Ella Palmer had four shots apiece while Warta and Lemley had three each. Freshman Alex Baer, Faulkner, freshman Madison Cullinan and Wallgren all had two. Today, 15 Rangers registered at least one shot and 11 girls had a shot on-target. 

Senior keeper Katelyn Martin and Sophomore keeper Maren Clark each had two saves. 

Up Next For the Rangers: The team will look to stay undefeated in conference play this Thursday when Regis travels just down the road to MSU Denver (3-1-2, 1-1-0). The game will be played at 7 p.m. and you can watch it here.