ALPINE, Texas — SIERRA PADILLA delivered another timely goal for St. Edward's women's soccer, scoring with 2:31 remaining to pull the Hilltoppers into a 1-1 draw at Sul Ross State in Tuesday's regular-season finale.
TESS DABNEY supplied the assist on Padilla's fifth goal of the season, helping St. Edward's salvage a point after trailing for nearly 17 minutes despite controlling possession and generating more opportunities.
The Hilltoppers finished the regular season 5-8-5 overall and 5-5-4 in Lone Star Conference play, totaling 19 conference points.
St. Edward's held 61 percent of possession, outshot Sul Ross State 14-10, and put nine attempts on target. However, Lobos goalkeeper Chloe Witte made eight saves, including a stop on Padilla's bid for a second goal with 57 seconds remaining.
MACY JENNINGS tested Witte in the third minute, and EMERSON BAREFOOT and TRULY CUEVAS also forced saves before halftime. PEYTON MEDINA matched Witte's three first-half saves, keeping the match scoreless through the opening 45 minutes.
The Hilltoppers increased their pressure after the break, recording nine shots and four corner kicks. MADISON CRESWELL and Cuevas put attempts on frame early in the half, and RAINEY SIMMONS forced another Witte save in the 69th minute.
Sul Ross State broke through at 70:30 when Kiersten Rowland scored off assists from Averi Culver and Chloe Post. Medina denied another Rowland attempt less than two minutes later, keeping St. Edward's within reach.
The Hilltoppers continued searching for the equalizer. JORJA BRAGG had a shot saved in the 84th minute, and Jennings sent an attempt high shortly afterward before Padilla and Dabney finally connected at 87:29.
Both teams had an opportunity to break the tie in the closing minutes. Rowland missed wide just 14 seconds after the equalizer, and Witte stopped Padilla's final attempt to preserve the draw.
Medina finished with five saves. Jennings and Creswell led St. Edward's with three shots apiece, while Padilla and Cuevas each put both of their attempts on target.
