LAS VEGAS, N.M. — As mother nature pushed rain showers into the vicinity, the season-opening match for the Sul Ross State women's soccer team was delayed at the start for 50 minutes due to the lightning in the area.
Celeste De La Rosa was unstoppable in the net until the 83rd minute when the New Mexico Highland Cowgirls snuck a goal in, which proved to be the game-winner on a wet and gloomy Thursday afternoon at Robertson High School.
>> HOW IT HAPPENED:
New Mexico Highlands out-shot the Lobos, 4-1, in the opening half.
De La Rosa made two saves to keep the game scoreless at the break. Both teams had to endure an additional lightning delay just before the end of the half.
Sul Ross State fired away its first attempt at the net during the first half when
Luz Ruiz had a shot towards the bottom center of the goal that was saved by goalkeeper Peyton Greener.
De La Rosa made five saves in the second half.
The Lobos had a scoring opportunity after a red card was issued to Izzie Scott which gave
Serena Escobar an attempt at a penalty shot.
Unfortunately, the penalty kick was off the mark.
As the Cowgirls entered Sul Ross State territory, Karenza Chavez had a shot attempt that was saved by De La Rosa.
Nearly three minutes later, Kate Rayner delivered the equalizer off an assist by Paige Gowen.
>> RECORDS: Sul Ross State (0-1); New Mexico Highlands (1-0)
>> WHAT THE COACH SAID:
"Today's loss is not our standard. That is not us. We need to play to win, not to fall short. We will grow from this." —
John Dominguez
>> GAME NOTES:
- The Lobos had nine shots with five being at the goal.
- New Mexico Highlands had 12 shots with nine being at the net.
- Sarayi Serrano had three shots with two of them coming at the goal.
- Gallegos and Escobar each finished with two shots while Escobar had one shot on goal.
- Nayr Moreno and Ruiz each tallied one shot on goal.
- De La Rosa made seven saves.
- The Cowgirls snapped a 21-match winless streak, tabbing their first victory since Oct. 9, 2022.
>> UP NEXT: The Lobos take on Texas Lutheran on Sunday, Sept. 8 in Eagle Pass, Texas, at 6 p.m. CST.
