DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Women's Soccer team downed New Mexico Highlands University, 3-2 on Sunday afternoon's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference battle. The Rangers improve to 4-6-2 (3-2-1 RMAC), while the Cowgirls fall to 2-8-2 (0-5-1 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Grace Glover saved the first two shots of the match, both taken by Highlands, and after a third shot from the Cowgirls, Alyssa Granno landed one on target for Regis. Both teams remained aggressive on offense, trading shots on goal, with RU's tries being taken by Stella Straubing, Madison Cullinan, and Elsa Nolen. NMHU took the first lead of the match in the 33rd minute with a Kate Rayner goal assisted by Jacquie McPherson. Regis took five more shots before the end of the half, with five on goal, but were scoreless at the break.
"We created a lot of quality goal scoring opportunities in that first half," said Head Coach Jeff Frykholm, "but just didn't finish on them. That will definitely be a focus in training. We just need a bit more care with those final passes, touches, decisions."
Gardner did not take long to even the score in the second half, finding the back of the net on a pass from Natalie Bunch at 49:26. Bunch, Cullinan, and Nolen all added additional shots on goal as the Rangers controlled the time of possession, and Gardner would earn a penalty kick in the 63:01. She buried the attempt to take the lead, but New Mexico Highlands scored in the 74th minute to tie the game at 2-2. RU took six shots in the next two minutes, and Fernanda Rodriguez would finally put one away at 80:22 for the game-winner as Regis held on for the 3-2 win.
"The good thing is that we have proven these last couple games that we have the mental toughness and ability to comeback after falling behind," continued Frykholm. "Fighting that hard feels different knowing that we have been creating chances all game, and the goals felt like they would come."
GAME NOTES
· Regis took 29 shots, with 16 on goal
· NMHU took 14 with eight on
· RU led in corners, 6-2
· Rodriguez led Regis with four shots, while Gardner led with three on goal
UP NEXT
The Rangers return to action on Thursday, Oct. 17 as they travel to Colorado State University-Pueblo.
