Hobbs, NM – The University of the Southwest Women's Soccer team picked up their first win of the season during their season opener Saturday afternoon. After a hard-fought battle against Wayland Baptist University, the Lady Mustangs were able to come out on top by a score of 1-0. 
 
The first half did not see any goals scored from either side, but each side enforced the pressure consistently. For USW, it came from Sophomore Maya Sanchez at the forward position. A relentless push of the ball towards the WBU goal gave the Lady Mustangs an advantage with shots on goal, 3-0. Sophomore Noemi Carrillo was subbed in at the 33^rd minute, adding to the push established throughout the game. "We played hard today and connected so much compared to other games. I really thought we dominated a majority of the game. I haven't been able to say that this year, and it feels good to say it finally. I know this group of girls is good. We just have to believe that we can get it done", says Coach Edgar Negrete.
 
A little over ten minutes in the second half is where USW was finally able to break through with their push. In the 56^th minute, an aggressive push from Maya Sanchez led to an easy dump-off pass to Noemi Carrillo in which she put it into the back of the net and USW up 1-0. The continued aggressiveness from Sanchez and the spark provided by Carrillo gave all the momentum the Lady Mustangs needed. On the other end of the pitch, Sophomore Emiliegh Lara put a great effort in goal, securing her first clean sheet of the year. The offensive energy and a suffocating defense allowed USW to protect their lead and keep WBU off the board.  
 
Coach Negrete expressed his thoughts on the win following the conclusion of today's game. "It's always a good feeling when we have our first home game. But it's better when you win your first game of the year. We missed a couple of chances that we should have put away, but a win is a win, and the girls deserved it," said Negrete. I was really impressed with Emileigh Lara's performance. She did a great job, and she received her very first clean sheet on her first start. She deserves it, and I'm very happy for her. Maya Sanchez again played a spectacular game for us, gave us everything she had, and got us an assist that led Noemi to score the only goal of the game! Noemi has come a long way and has been working so hard, and I'm glad she was able to get her first goal of the year. I'm happy everyone's work paid off and happy with our back line because everyone always forgets about the defense, but our defense came to play today and contributed to the first shootout of the game. Proud of the defense effort; they had a huge part in today's win. Now we just enjoy and prepare for another home game against Oklahoma Panhandle."
 
USW Women's Soccer will be back home on September 19^th against Oklahoma Panhandle State and then again on September 22^nd for their RRAC Conference opener against Texas College. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Women's Soccer on all social media for scores and updates throughout the season.