AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's women's soccer controlled long stretches against No. 24 University of Colorado Colorado Springs but struggled to finish chances, while the Mountain Lions struck three times in a 10-minute span to pull away for a 4-1 victory.
UCCS opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Emily Aguilar slipped a pass down the left flank to Reagan Burkey, who delivered a pinpoint one-touch cross that Brooke Pavlich headed home.
The Hilltoppers responded with steady possession for the rest of the half, outshooting the Mountain Lions 8-3 and putting three efforts on frame. Keeper Mylah Mirshafiei turned them all aside to preserve the 1-0 halftime lead.
KATIE FITZPATRICK and Bailey Simmons brought energy in the midfield,
MARIE HANNEDOUCHE created problems down the right wing, and
JISELL ZAVALETA DENOVA and Lauren Williams each generated late looks as SEU pushed for the equalizer before the break.
That breakthrough came in the 58th minute.
ANNIE ROCHA threaded a pass between two defenders to spring
RAINEY SIMMONS in behind, and the junior calmly slotted her finish low to the keeper's left for the 1-1 equalizer.
Momentum swung quickly, however. UCCS regained the lead in the 61st minute on a loose ball in the box that Taylynn Levi pounced on. Pavlich then set up Malia Groshong for a third, and Abby Stassi added a fourth off Elise Broberg's assist in the 69th minute to put the match out of reach.
With the loss, St. Edward's falls to 1-3-0. The Hilltoppers return to Lewis-Chen Family Field on Wednesday at 7 p.m. to open conference play against Oklahoma Christian under the lights.
