DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Women's Soccer team, who were receiving votes in the most recent United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, hosted #9 Colorado School of Mines in a crucial RMAC battle on Sunday afternoon, and prevailed, 2-1. The Rangers improve to 8-1-1, while the Orediggers fall to 5-2-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Helen Stegner would see plenty of action early, saving a shot on goal, then immediately saved the rebound, from the ground, with her head. She would save a third attempt before Andie Rylance attempted the Rangers' first shot, a try that would go wide right. Mines continued to control the time of possession, and after a string of Oredigger throw-ins, a go-ahead pass by Afton Rasco found Bella Campos, who put a chip shot over Stegner for the goal. Stegner earned another diving save, which the Rangers turned on for their first shot on goal of the match, by Natalie Bunch with just over 15 minutes left in the half. The teams traded shots late in the half, but none fell on target. A final minute free kick by Regis hit the post, and the game went into the break, 0-1.

The Rangers came out of the half with energy as Brielle Bickham and Aaliah Barwick attempted early shots. Brooke Castillo also had a shot blocked, and Fernanda Rodriguez had hers saved. After a shot by Mines hit the crossbar, Andie Rylance put a ball up to Rodriguez, who found Bunch, and Bunch snuck the ball in the bottom left corner with a backwards kick to tie the match. After a handful of errant shots by CSM, the Rangers pushed a breakaway up to Castillo, who found Rodriguez, and she found the net to go up, 2-1. Stegner would then bring the game home, with two late saves to secure the victory.

"It was a true team win," said Bunch. "We are very close, and the energy is amazing both on and off the bench. We all want to see each other succeed."

"It was all about two words," added head coach Jeff Frykholm. "Team and effort."

"Helen (Stegner) really played well. She bailed us out of multiple situations, doing what a lot of other keepers can't or won't."

GAME NOTES

·        Rodriguez posted a match-high four shots, with two on goal. Bunch and Castillo also had multiple shots

·        Kaitlyn Manalili also took four shots for Mines

·        Mines took 17 shots to 12 from RU

·        RU attempted three corners

·        Rodriguez posted three points from one goal and one assist.

·        Stegner saved six goals in the win. Allie Lundgren saved three for CSM

UP NEXT

The Rangers next match is at Westminster University (Utah) at 7 pm on Thursday, Oct 9.