By DERRICK GALINDO
Senior Reporter
NWOSU’s Women’s soccer took a final loss in non-conference games against Fort Hays State on Saturday with a 1-0 score.
The team won a game 2-1 earlier in the week against Newman.
The Lady Rangers opened Saturday strong in the starting half, which included advantage from the wind despite hot temperatures. However, they were well matched as the 45 minutes counted down. The second half sung a different tune as the Tigers scored their only point, leaving the Lady Rangers with a 2-3-1 overall tally of wins, losses and ties before their games in the Great American Conference begin.
The Lady Ranger who attempted the most shots was Isabella Mcmillan with three shots, one of which was a shot on goal. Three Lady Rangers followed up the statistics with one shot each; Luana San Miguel, Victoria Ruvalcaba and Adrianna Gutierrez. The final game leader was the goalie, Rachel Brown, with a total of six saves throughout both halves.
After the game, midfielder Lily Anderson said it was certainly a hard fought battle.
“We definitely had the speed on them,” Anderson said, “and we possessed better than them. We had the better team, it was just unfortunate circumstances. We let up the goal, but I can say we definitely had the better team. We just had one unlucky mistake.”
Elie Dang, defender, said she thinks they all worked really hard, but they can continue that with consistency.
“I think we started off really strong,” she said, “and we held that through the game. We didn’t keep that to the same consistency the whole entire 90 minutes, so I think working through that and communicating well. I think we’ve grown a lot as a team and we’ve gotten to know each other and how we play, so I think just holding through for the whole 90 minutes will get us the win.”
Head Women’s Soccer Coach Alex Piekarski said it was an unfortunate loss, but to a good team.
“It was a windy day and was a day for some interesting conditions,” he said, “I think there were about five chances to score, and we only attempted two shots. It was a good, competitive college soccer game, and we just came up a little bit short.”
Piekarski said there are always improvements to be made.
“I think we need to improve creating more goal scoring opportunities, have a little bit better passing.” he said. “Those would be the big things.”
In the Sept. 18 game, Newman College made the first score of the game in the first half.
Then Ranger forward Jenna Mills, with an assist from forward Tiara Campbell, made the first Ranger score in the second half. It was followed about 18 minutes later by midfielder Lily Anderson’ goal for the 2-1 win.
At 68:44, Jenna Mills takes a pass from Tiara Campbell and makes first score of the game. At 80:01, Lily Anderson fires in the second goal.
Playmakers
Rangers vs. Newman (Sept. 18) 2-1
