GOLDEN, Colo. – The West Texas A&M women's soccer team found themselves on the wrong side of a defensive battle against Colorado Mines on Saturday afternoon, falling 1-0 to the No. 23 ranked team in the nation. The loss drops the Lady Buffs record to 0-2, while CSM improves to 2-0.
The Lady Buffs best chance came at 5:35 in the first half when Marlene van Mourik found space just inside the box for a point blank shot but was denied by keeper Sam Zumbro. The Orediggers responded immediately as Jennifer Kendall found space down the right side before bringing it back inside but sophomore keeper Courtney Dippel was up for the task to get the game scoreless.
The Lady Buffs defense continued to hold its own against an Orediggers offense that controlled position for a majority of the first 30 minutes. CSM produced three corner kicks before the match was halted due to a lightning delay.
The Orediggers scored the only goal of the match shortly after both teams returned to the field. CSM's Haley Cole was brought down in the box in the 34th and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Emily Garnier's kick went right as Dippel guessed to the left to give CSM the 1-0 lead.
Dippel made another impressive save at 37:49 on Cole to keep the Buffs deficit to one goal before the half.
The Lady Buffs nearly pulled the match level in the 59th minute off a Kaitlin Steele corner kick. The senior's ball found an open Khadidra Debesette in the box but the sophomore midfielder sent it wide left in the 65th minute when Lucy Chalgren got on the end of a loose ball. The junior from Rio Rancho, N.M. had a good look but sent the ball over the cross bar.
Chalgren had another chance in the 71st minute but was denied again Zumbro. The Lady Buffs finals chance of the game came in the 76th minute but Steele saw her shot sail wide.
The Orediggers nearly added a second on a long range shot from Cari Smithin the 77th minute but Dippel was up to the task tipping the ball over the cross bar.
WT finished the match with five shots, four of those coming in the second half.
WT finished the match with 10 shots including six in the second half and three corner kicks.
Courtney Dippel made a season-high five saves in her 20th career start.
Notes:
· Lucy Chalgren led the team with two shots, one of those being on target.
· With the loss, the Lady Buffs dropped to 5-0-0- all-time against Colorado Mines
