GOLDEN, Colo. – The St. Edward's women's soccer team defeated its conference rival Dallas Baptist, 2-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Regional Tournament Friday night at the CSM Soccer Field. It was the fourth time the Hilltoppers squared off against the Patriots and the win advances them to the Round of 32 on Sunday.
 
Dallas Baptist (14-5-1) had the early opportunity as they earned a cornerkick that was sent into the box. Dixie Kurrus narrowly missed the goal as she zipped past a cluster of defenders, but her header went just over the bar.
           
St. Edward's (15-4) countered as WHYTNEIGH DUFFIE blasted a ball over the finger tips of Dallas Baptist keeper Kerry Edwards, however it couldn't find the frame. Both teams struggled to push the ball forward as St. Edward's did their best to lock in Patriots on their own side of the field.
           
The strategy paid off in the 35^th minute as MEGAN ANDERSON came away with a steal at midfield. She had time to look at her options as she made her way closer to the Dallas Baptist goal, however she opted to take matters into her own hands. Anderson took a quick pause and launched a shot from 30 yards out from the right side of the field, the ball floated past Edwards in the left side of the goal to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 advantage. Anderson said of the goal that, "I took a shot and ripped it as hard as I could. Especially against DBU, it was an awesome feeling".
           
As both teams regrouped for halftime, Dallas Baptist looked to press the action. However, the St. Edward's defense was up to the task early on, winning nearly every header and 50/50 ball that came its way.
           
St. Edward's broke the match open in the 75^th minute as JESSICA TRAVES dribbled through the box from right to left. She found a streaking VALENCIA MOBLEY on the left side of the field and she finished through a crowd into the bottom right corner of the goal. Mobley recalled the play like it was slow motion, "I remember Jessie beating a bunch of people down the line and delivered the ball through the box to me. I aimed for the far post and thankfully it went in."
           
These two schools have developed quite a rivalry over the last several years and the Patriots tried to make the most of the last 10 minutes of action. This was the fourth meeting between the two schools with St. Edward's coming away with a 3-1 season advantage.
 
ALLY LINDQUIST had a great defensive game for the Hilltoppers tonight. "We were a little discombobulated at the beginning, but after that we didn't really let anything behind us. I just want to say I'm really proud of our outside backs! DBU has some good players at those positions but our outside backs were awesome."
 
Head Coach Nick Cowell echoed his players sentiments after the game as well. "We held together very well and wanted to make sure we made the first goal because we have a very tough defense. Honestly, the game went according to plan and we played very well against a very good team. We really respect Dallas Baptist, they play hard with great class and it's a great rivalry. We lost a close game early in the season against them. However, I think this team has really come together and has learned something about themselves over the last couple weeks. We'll be ready."
           
The Hilltoppers will get a day or rest before facing off against the top-seeded Colorado School of Mines. Action starts this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. MST from the CSM Soccer Stadium in Golden, Colo. Live video and stats can be found on the Oredigger Athletic Website.