DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Women's Soccer team played their first home RMAC match of the season Thursday night, defeating Colorado State University-Pueblo 2-1. The Rangers improve to 7-1-1 (3-0-0 RMAC), while the Thunderwolves fall to 1-4-3 (0-1-1 RMAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Rangers would slowly work the ball up the sideline with a string of throw-ins until Elsa Nolen took the first shot of the game, an on-target attempt that was saved by CSUP keeper, Maya Begay. Regis kept the pressure on, forcing a series of Pueblo goal kicks. After an RU corner kick, Fernanda Rodriguez's shot hit the right post, but Andie Rylance was right there for the rebound, putting in the first goal of the match, and her first of the season.

"She is such a hard worker, she does so much dirty work, just a true unselfish player, it's great for her to get a goal," said head coach Jeff Frykholm. "She creates so many moments for others, its nice to see her get one."

Helen Stegner collected a save on the Thunderwolves first attempt of the game, and two minutes late, Nolen would miss a diving header, just barley wide left. She would redeem herself with a goal from outside the box, assisted by Aaliah Barwick, at 28:28. Both squads took two more shots to close out the half, with Natalie Bunch managing one on goal.

Rodriguez and Barwick took early shots in the second half, and while Addy Borgmeier and Bunch helped keep the pressure on, CSUP scored the next goal, a shot by Carlia Johnson, assisted by Katie Peterson. Bunch followed that with a shot blocked, and Barwick had one saved. Regis' offensive pressure led to a plethora of corner kicks, but none led to goals. The defenses stepped up in the last 15 minutes, g as only one shot was taken, by Barwick, out left, and Regis secured the 2-1 win.

With the seventh win on the year, Regis already surpasses their win total from 2024.

"It really feels good, a lot different than last year," said Frykholm. "We have won a lot of different ways."

"Tonight wasn't a very pretty second half, but we were to get it done."

"That was one of our goals this year, to improve from last year," said junior defender Gianna Sparaco, "so we are feeling good going into a big game Sunday."

The Rangers host #9 Colorado School of Mines on Sunday.

"We all just have to buy in, and I think we can do it."

"We just have to play clean. Mines is able to exploit your mistakes," concluded Frykholm. "We have to continue to be creative, and score our goals in different ways."

GAME NOTES

·         Regis totaled 22 with eight on target

·         Nolen led the way with six shots, and three on target. Bunch, Rodriguez, and Barwick all also had multiple shots

·         Six Thunderwolves had at least one shot

·         Stegner had two saves in the match.

·         Begay saved five shots

·         RU recorded 11 corner kicks, with 10 in the second half

UP NEXT

The Rangers host #9 Colorado School of Mines on Sunday at 1 pm.