CANYON, Texas – A 57^th-minute goal for the West Texas A&M women's soccer team proved to be the difference in a 1-0 victory over the UT Permian Basin Falcons on Wednesday night in Canyon. With the win, the Lady Buffs improved to 6-5 overall and 3-3 in Lone Star Conference play while the Falcons fell to 3-5-2 overall and 1-4-1 in league play.
 
UT Permian Basin pushed the pace early, applying pressure on the WT back line in the opening minute. Just over a minute into the game, Cassandra Ramirez took a chance from deep but sent the ball over the bar. The Falcons continued to find seams in the Lady Buff back line with shooting lanes open. WT created its first scoring chance of the evening in the 10^th minute when Avery Putnam countered off a turnover. Before reaching the box, Putnam fired a shot, but a UTPB defender stepped in front to block the opportunity from going through. It wasn't until the 32^nd minute when the Falcons placed a shot on frame where Reagan Heelan gloved the ball to keep the game tied. Four and a half minutes later, the Lady Buffs forced UTPB goalkeeper Valeria Delgado to record a save and prevent WT from breaking the scoreless tie. With less than a minute to play in the half, Heelan converted another save to send the teams to the break without a score.
 
After UTPB controlled the pace of play in the first half, the Lady Buffs created an offensive attack in the 48^th minute, forcing a pair of corners. Despite having possession in the attacking third, WT couldn't find any shots as the Falcon defense quickly cleared contested balls away. In the 57^th minute, a WT counterattack gave the Lady Buffs a throw-in in the attacking third once again. An initial shot from Sydney Martin deflected to Putnam but a diving save stopped WT momentarily. Before a clearance could come through, Madison Stokes cleaned up to give the Lady Buffs a 1-0 lead. Following the goal, UT Permian Basin went onto the attack, forcing WT to play on their back heels. In the 79^th minute, Heelan continued to stop shots, saving two shots in four minutes. As the pressure mounted in the 87^th minute, the Falcons broke through the back line with a one-on-one opportunity for Ramirez. After beating a defender, Ramirez approached the box with Heelan charging quickly. With Heelan bearing down, the UTPB forward ripped a shot but the veteran goalkeeper came up with a game-saving save. The save allowed the Lady Buffs to regroup and seal out the win. 
 
WT faces a tough road task on Saturday, Oct. 19 when the Lady Buffs travel to No. 9 Dallas Baptist. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. at the Patriot Soccer Field.