LUBBOCK, Texas – St. Edward's and Lubbock Christian battled to the very end to keep their undefeated conference records in tact. However, the Hilltoppers found the game-winning goal from MIKAYLA ENGEL with just two seconds to go to preserve a 2-1 road victory.
 
St. Edward's (9-4, 5-0 HC) goalkeeper LORRIE SANTOY saved Emily Odom's shot attempt in the 23^rd minute of play. Lubbock Christian (10-4, 5-1 HC) continued to press but Odom's header narrowly missed in the 26^th minute of play.
 
The final minute of the first half finished in a frenzy as JESSICA TRAVES was denied by the keeper with just 30 seconds to go. Lubbock Christian quickly countered, but Santoy came away with the clutch save on Jamie Boone's attempt right at the buzzer to keep the game scoreless going into halftime.
 
St. Edward's mounted several attacks early in the second half but Lauren Story turned away opportunities by Traves and LAUREN HELLER in the 48^th minute. However, in the 63^rd minute, GRACEN JACKS struck gold for the first goal of the game via a cross from JENNIFER BOUDREAU.
 
The Hilltoppers lead was short lived, as Lubbock Christian tied the game up at 1-1 just 42 seconds later. Claudia Sanchez's header slipped past Santoy, and the game looked as though it would head to overtime.
 
Santoy had the ball in her possession with 30 seconds left in the second half. She rolled the ball to LIBBY FISH who quickly passed it forward to MIKAYLA ENGEL. Engel bolted up the field and launched a shot to the far post with only a few seconds left. The ball floated past the keeper and gave the Hilltoppers a 2-1 lead with just two seconds remaining on the clock.
 
Head Coach Nick Cowell was ecstatic about the victory and had high praise for multiple players. "LIBBY FISH had a strong game at left back. JESSICA TRAVES came off the bench for her first game since the beginning of the season and controlled the pace of the game. MIKAYLA ENGEL also came off the bench to provide the offensive impetus we needed." Cowell reiterated that, "Everyone has a role to play and if we all embrace it, we can be a force to be reckoned with. Our team is developing a belief in each other and a work ethic that keeps them going to the end."
 
The stats showed just how even of a game the two teams played. St. Edward's outshot the Chapparals 13-11. St. Edward's had seven shots on goal to Lubbock Christian's five.
 
The Hilltoppers are en route to Odessa, Texas as they'll take on UT-Permian Basin. Kickoff is set for Monday at noon from the UTPB soccer field.