SAN ANGELO, Texas – Ronni Ajeto's second half goal proved to be the difference as the West Texas A&M women's soccer team defeated Angelo State 1-0 on Sunday afternoon for its fifth consecutive victory. It marks the first time since 2008 that the Lady Buffs have won five or more consecutive matches in a single season. With the win, the Lady Buffs improved to 8-4 and 6-2 in Lone Star Conference play while the Rambelles fall to 9-4-1 (5-3).
"Today's victory was a total team effort," WT women's soccer head coach Chad Webb. "Everyone was focused from the opening whistle and our energy level was high for most of the match. I am happy that we were able to defend better today and minimize Angelo State's chances in front of goal."
The first half was a defensive affair as senior Kaitlin Steele recorded the only shot on goal for either team in the first half at 16:56. Steele had another scoring opportunity later in the 42nd minute but her shot was blocked. Dom Premac got on the end of Steele's blocked shot but saw her shot blocked as well.
The Lady Buffs finished the first half with five shots, one of them being on target.
Both teams came out attacking to start the second half as Courtney Dippel was forced to make her first save of the match on a Demi Tsambasis' shot at 49:04. The Lady Buffs took the lead shortly thereafter on Ronni Ajeto's fifth goal of the season. The Henderson, Nevada native blasted a shot from 33 yards out into the lower left corner at 50:45 beating the ASU's Sammy Cude giving WT a 1-0 lead.
"Ronni has a knack for scoring goals and she showed that once again today," Webb added. "She is a dangerous player for us because she can beat defenders with her speed but can also get a hold of one like she did today."
Dippel made her fourth save of the match at 72:33 giving her 155 for her career and moving her into fifth all-time passing Kelly Shehan who made 154 saves from 2009-10.
The Lady Buffs finished the match with nine shots, four on target, compared to the Rambelles' 15.
Dippel picked up her second consecutive shutout of the season after making four saves.
WT will be at home for three of their final four matches of the season starting with a matchup against Lone Star Conference leaders Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at The Pitch.
NOTES:
· With the win, the Lady Buffs lead the all-time series 17-13-5 having won the past two contests in San Angelo.
· Kaitlin Steele had a team-high four shots, one of those being on-target.
· The Lady Buffs last won five matches in a row in 2008 when they won six on their way to winning the LSC title.
· Ronni Ajeto is the sixth different Lady Buff to score a game-winning goal this season.
· WT improved to 2-0-0 when scoring one goal.
· WT is now 3-2-0 when they are outshot.
· The Lady Buffs are a perfect 5-0-0 in October.
