Women's Soccer Breaks into the Win Column on Sunday

OAKLAND, Calif. – The University of Dallas women's soccer team (1-2) claimed a 4-1 victory on Sunday afternoon at Mills College (0-3). It was the first win of the young campaign for the Lady Crusaders, who more than doubled their shot attempts through the first two contests with 16.

Three goals in the opening half nipped a 1-0 deficit and put UD ahead for good, as a trio of freshmen found the back of the net for the first time in their collegiate careers. Making up the group were: Mason Cosgrove (Las Cruces, Nev.), Samantha Deitschel (San Antonio, Texas), and Kathryn Zepeda (Lynnwood, Wash.).

After allowing the Cyclones to go up on a goal from Ashley Crespin in the sixth minute, Dallas countered with its first goal of the year by Cosgrove at the 11:07 mark. Sophomore Mackenzie Vasile (San Antonio, Texas), who boasted a game-high four shots, would be credited with the assist.

Things remained knotted until 32:40 into the match when Deitschel launched her first shot of the year on target, and lifted the Lady Crusaders to a lead that would not be relinquished. Senior Nicolette Perez (San Diego, Calif.) delivered the assist. A little over two minutes later, Zepeda would round out the trifecta of first career goals on a pass from sophomore Taylor Ray (Cypress, Texas).

In the second stanza, two seniors would join the scoring fun as Mariah Fairbanks (Rocklin, Calif.) connected on a pass from Abigale Weisbrod (Mesquite, Texas) to push the edge 4-1 at the 53:59 minute mark.

The final 45 minutes appeared to hold momentum on the Dallas side, as Mills College was held shotless during that span. Overall the Navy and White posted a 16-6 edge (with eight in each half) and 11 shots on goal compared to 6 for the home squad.

Behind Vasile's game-high, Zepeda managed three shots with two on goal. Also garnering multiple shots, both on goal, was sophomore Alexa Acquista (Las Vegas, Nev.).

Splitting time in the net were sophomores Elena Naccari (Covington, La.) and Tori Fleharty (Richmond, Texas) with 45 minutes each as goalies. Naccari, who has logged the previous 180 minutes in both matches, drew her third consecutive start and allowed a goal while blocking two saves in the first half.

For Mills, Crespin would tally the team's lone multi-shot effort and Lindsey Parscal added an assist on the scoring play. Tayla Muise was saddled with the loss allowing four goals and picking up seven saves against 11 shots faced.

UP NEXT

Dallas opens a season-long, five-game home stand beginning with three in the Dallas Challenge. On September 9, the Lady Crusaders' home-opener will feature University of Texas at Dallas. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.