LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Regis University Women's Soccer team, who were receiving votes in the most recent United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, dominated New Mexico Highlands University, 4-0, in a road RMAC bout on Sunday afternoon. The Rangers improve to 6-1-1 (2-0-0 RMAC), while the Cowgirls fall to 1-5-0 (0-2-0 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Elsa Nolen recorded a shot on goal within the first minute of the match, but it would be saved by the Cowgirls. Seven minutes later, Natalie Bunch was able to turn on a ball, beating a defender, and sent a bouncing shot into the back of the goal for the first score of the match. Not much later, Nolen put in a nice pass that found Bunch's header for her second first-half goal. Following an Andie Rylance shot on goal, NMHU finally took their first shot of the match in the 17th minute, but it would be saved by Kayla Arucan. With about 18 minutes left in the opening half, Fernanda Rodriguez took the ball up the left sideline, and centered the ball to Bunch, who stumbled over a defender, but managed to cross the plane for a first half hat trick. Rodriguez and Bunch both had shots on target saved by Highalnds to close out the period.
At the 50:30 mark in the match, a Regis throw in led to a Nolen pass that set up Morgan Black, who shot from 30 yards out with a screamer the found the top right corner. Grace Glover saved the only shot taken by the Cowgirls in the second half, while Mya Pasion took two shots for Regis that would go out top.
"We got off to a much better start today than on Friday," said head coach Jeff Frykholm. "I was very happy with the way we jumped out of the gate, and created some good looks within the first few minutes of the half."
"Once again, Natalie demonstrated what a unique player she is with three goals in the first half, all of them coming in different ways. Five goals on the weekend… she's a special player."
"Overall, I am really happy with the weekend. It's a long road trip, and they did everything right in order to earn six big points to start off the RMAC portion of the season."
GAME NOTES
· All five of Bunch's shots were on goal, including her three goals
· Four other Rangers had a shot on goal
· Two Cowgirls had a try on target
· Regis took three corners, while NMHU took three
UP NEXT
The Rangers return to action on Thursday, October 2, hosting Colorado State University-Pueblo at 7 pm.
