AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's weathered an early wave of pressure from No. 21 Nova Southeastern, settled into the match, and created a dangerous second-half stretch before the Sharks broke through late for a 1-0 victory Wednesday evening at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
Goalkeeper DARIA SCHLUMBOHM made five saves, and the Hilltoppers added a team save to keep the unbeaten Sharks scoreless through the first 77 minutes. Nova Southeastern controlled 68 percent of the possession, but St. Edward's remained within striking distance and generated eight of its 13 shots after halftime.
The Sharks found space down the Hilltoppers' right flank early, earning five corner kicks and attempting five shots within the opening eight minutes. St. Edward's defensive back line, led by RAINEY SIMMONS, repeatedly closed down those opportunities by blocking shots and cutting out attempted passes into the box.
Schlumbohm handled the chances that reached her, stopping efforts from Joyia Vega Lemmerlijn Gummesson and Genesis Hernandez during the opening stretch before denying Maria Jansen in the 20th minute.
St. Edward's offered an early glimpse of its ability to counter the pressure in the fifth minute. ANNIE ROCHA worked into space and delivered a beautiful cross to MADISON CRESWELL, whose header sailed high.
Rocha continued to generate opportunities as the half progressed, having two shots blocked before sending another attempt wide in the 35th minute. MACY JENNINGS followed with the Hilltoppers' first shot on goal, forcing a save from Ewa Sikora.
SOPHIA HODGES provided a spark after entering in the 59th minute, helping St. Edward's turn the momentum and produce its best stretch of the match. For nearly 15 minutes, the Hilltoppers dictated play and looked like the nationally ranked team.
CLAIRE SMITH tested Sikora in the 61st minute before TRULY CUEVAS placed shots on frame in the 62nd and 65th minutes. ABIGAIL HALL, RILEY KNOX, Hodges and Rocha sustained the pressure as St. Edward's generated seven shots from the 61st through the 74th minute.
Nova Southeastern survived that surge and found the decisive moment in the 78th minute. Jansen set up Hernandez, who scored her seventh goal of the season to give the Sharks the match's only goal.
St. Edward's attempted an immediate response, but SIENA MUSKIVITCH's shot was blocked just 18 seconds after play resumed. The Sharks kept the Hilltoppers without another attempt over the closing minutes to remain unbeaten at 3-0-1.
Rocha led St. Edward's with four shots, while Cuevas placed both of her attempts on goal. The Hilltoppers finished with 13 shots, including four on target, against Nova Southeastern's 20 attempts.
St. Edward's moves to 0-3-1 and opens Lone Star Conference play Saturday against No. 15 Texas Woman's at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
