COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — MADISON CRESWELL briefly shifted the momentum with her first goal of the season, pulling St. Edward's within one in the 71st minute before No. 4 UCCS answered six minutes later to secure a 3-1 victory Thursday evening.
UCCS controlled possession through much of the match, but goalkeeper DARIA SCHLUMBOHM and the Hilltopper defense kept the Mountain Lions scoreless for more than 41 minutes.
Schlumbohm stopped Elise Broberg twice and turned away attempts from Taylynn Levi and Abby Stassi during the opening half. UCCS finally broke through at the 41:40 mark when Luka Johnson found Charlize Ellsworth for the opening goal.
The Mountain Lions extended their lead in the 59th minute. St. Edward's blocked three shots during the buildup, but UCCS maintained possession long enough for Ellsworth to set up Broberg for a 2-0 advantage.
The Hilltoppers began to find more opportunities as the second half progressed. ANNIE ROCHA put their first shot on goal in the 69th minute, forcing a save from UCCS goalkeeper Lilliana Brinkmeier.
Two minutes later, Creswell brought St. Edward's back into the match. The senior midfielder scored an unassisted goal at the 71:04 mark, then immediately threatened again with two shots over the next two minutes. Her first attempt sailed high before Brinkmeier stopped the second.
UCCS halted the Hilltoppers' surge in the 78th minute. Schlumbohm initially denied Brooke Pavlich, but the Mountain Lions kept the pressure on before Pavlich scored her third goal of the season for the final margin.
Creswell accounted for three of St. Edward's eight shots and put two on frame. Rocha added two attempts and one shot on goal, while Schlumbohm finished with six saves.
UCCS held a 21-8 advantage in shots, including 9-3 on target, and took all four corner kicks. The Mountain Lions improved to 3-0, while St. Edward's moved to 0-1-1.
The Hilltoppers conclude their Colorado road trip Sunday against Regis.
