AUSTIN –
SARAH PRESTON scored three goals as the Hilltoppers defeated UT Permian Basin 3-0 in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Championship Saturday.
The Hilltoppers were pressing early, getting a great look at goal just seconds into the contest, after stealing the ball from the Falcon defense, with a hard strike from Preston. The strong attack set the tone for the first half with SEU remaining in the attacking third of the field the majority of the time.
Preston finally got the goal she just missed out on in the opening seconds, bury the ball in the back of the net after
SARAH GUNDERSON beautifully played a volley over her head to Preston in front of goal.
SEU continued to press and got great looks at goal that sailed just off frame or were saved by UTPB's keeper Blair Woodward. By halftime, The Hilltoppers led 12-0 in shots but held just a 1-0 advantage.
St. Edward's wasted no time going back on the attack as the second half got underway, but their first shot one minute in was saved by Woodward once again.
UTPB had their first real chance on a corner kick, but Marian Valdes's header went wide of goal and out of harm's way to keep SEU with a 1-0 lead.
REAGAN DYKES seemed to have the insurance goal SEU so desperately was searching for, streaking towards goal in the 59th minute, but her shot careened off the far post.
Just moments after checking back into the game, Preston once again had the magic touch to give the Hilltoppers the breathing room they needed.
KATIE GAY played a low, crossing ball from wide of goal and Preston got just enough of a foot on the ball to redirect it into the net, putting St. Edward's on top 2-0.
With under ten minutes to play, the Hilltoppers were able to close out the win, never allowing the Falcons another look at goal and put the icing on the cake with a header goal from Preston, assisted by
EMMA VIQUEZ with just 17 seconds remaining.
St. Edward's improves to 4-4 on the year and advance to the LSC Quarterfinals where they will face Lubbock Christian in Lubbock.
