Cal Lutheran Dealt First Defeat by Cowgirls
Regals set to start conference play Wednesday
ABILENE, Tex. - Facing the defending national champs on
their home turf, the Cal Lutheran women's soccer team was shut out for the
first time this season. Hardin-Simmons scored a late first half goal and added
another soon after halftime to seal the game.
Box Score: HSU 2, CLU
0 - F
It was a battle of two nationally ranked programs as No. 12 Cal Lutheran concluded
its two games in two days trip to Texas against No. 14 Hardin-Simmons. After
pouring in 10 goals against Texas Lutheran the day prior, CLU was held
scoreless on Saturday.
The Regals outshot the Cowgirls 14-13 overall and placed seven of its 11
first half attempts on target. HSU goalkeeper Rebecca Roth preserved the
shutout for her side making seven of her eight saves in the opening 45 minutes.
Austin Ricker recovered possession deep in the Regals defense and put away
the game-winning goal in the 42nd minute of play. It was the first time Cal
Lutheran had trailed and an opponent scored in the first half of a game this season.
Courtney Cramer scored within the opening minutes of the second half on a
corner kick from teammate Katie Kuykendall. The Cowgirls scored on just the
second corner kick given up by the Regals defense this season. CLU foes had not
taken a corner kick in the first three games of the season before HSU earned
four on the day.
CLU's Taylor Will and Mayra Virgen tested Roth often with each contributing
three of the team's eight shots on target.
Regals goalkeeper Tina Hedwall made four first half saves before teammate
Kristin Bailey entered to start the second half.
Cal Lutheran (3-1-0) will begin conference play on
Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.