LUBBOCK, Texas — ANNIE ROCHA made a stunning return to the field Friday night, playing her first game since Oct. 4 and delivering both the opening and deciding goals to send St. Edward's women's soccer past Lubbock Christian in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Championship.
Thought to be lost for the season, Rocha checked in for MARIE HANNEDOUCHE at the 38-minute mark and wasted no time making an impact.
Her month-long absence did little to dull her instincts or touch. Gathering a loose ball near midfield, Rocha turned wide, cut sharply inside a defender, and unleashed a deep strike from midway between the center circle and the box. The ball sailed over the leaping goalkeeper's fingertips and under the crossbar for a highlight-reel goal in the 41st minute.
The sophomore's shot showcased everything that makes her one of the conference's most dangerous scorers — audacity from range, a cannon for a leg, and pinpoint precision.
St. Edward's outshot Lubbock Christian 6–3 in the first half and held a 6–1 advantage in corner kicks to take a 1–0 lead into the break.
The second half was a midfield stalemate until the 66th minute, when Lubbock Christian equalized on a set piece. A free kick from near midfield fell to Kali Guy in the box, who tucked it away to even the match at 1–1.
Each team came inches from breaking the deadlock before overtime. LCU's Claire Jacobson rattled the right post, and Rocha's deflected shot in the final seconds set up a corner that saw ELENA RAMOS BANET's attempt miss just wide as time expired.
RILEY SISSON hit the woodwork in the first overtime, and goalkeeper DARIA SCHLUMBOHM came up with two critical saves in the second to push the contest to penalties — the Hilltoppers' second straight postseason shootout.
This time, St. Edward's wouldn't be denied. Sisson, Hannedouche, RAINEY SIMMONS, and Ramos Banet each converted their kicks before Rocha stepped up to bury the winner, sealing a dramatic victory.
St. Edward's (7–9–3) advances to face second-seeded Midwestern State in the LSC Quarterfinals on Monday at 7 p.m. in Wichita Falls.
