HOBBS, N.M. – The University of the Southwest women's soccer team showed resilience and continued growth through its first two matches of the 2026 campaign, competing against the University of Texas Permian Basin and Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Despite coming up short in both contests, the Mustangs continued to battle and received strong performances from goalkeeper Elena Moya throughout the opening week.
Thursday: Ramsey Records First Goal of Season at UTPB
Southwest opened the season Thursday night in Odessa, Texas, falling 7-1 to Tex.-Permian Basin. The Falcons surged ahead with five goals in the opening 17 minutes before the Mustangs answered with their first goal of the season.
Senior Rozlynn Ramsey provided the highlight for Southwest, finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute to put the Mustangs on the scoreboard. The unassisted tally marked Southwest's first goal of the 2026 season.
Despite facing constant pressure, Elena Moya made three saves, including a stop on a first-half penalty kick to keep the Mustangs within striking distance. Southwest generated five total shots, led by Aleah Ortiz, who recorded three attempts and placed two on goal. Ramsey added a shot on frame as part of her scoring effort.
The Mustangs showed improvement after halftime, limiting UTPB to two second-half goals while creating several opportunities of their own. Ortiz produced a pair of shots on goal in the final 35 minutes, and Moya added two saves in the second half.
Saturday: Mustangs Battle OPSU Behind Moya's Seven Saves
Southwest returned home Saturday afternoon at Bob Moran Field, turning in a much stronger defensive performance against Oklahoma Panhandle State before falling 2-0.
The Aggies struck first in the 12th minute when Emma Contreras converted an early opportunity, but the Mustangs remained within one goal throughout much of the contest thanks to a standout effort from Moya.
Southwest created several scoring chances, led by Ramsey, who put both of her shots on target. Kaylynn Miller and Roxana Bustamante also tested the OPSU goalkeeper as the Mustangs looked for an equalizer.
Moya finished with seven saves, repeatedly denying OPSU chances and keeping Southwest within reach through the first 65 minutes. The Aggies eventually doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Millie Arellano finished a pass from Celine Loraine.
Southwest closed the match with eight shots and four shots on goal, matching its best attacking output of the young season while continuing to show progress on the defensive end.
The Mustangs move forward looking to build on Saturday's performance as they continue nonconference play against Mid-America Christian University on Wednesday.
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