Trailblazers women soccer defeated UNLV in the first game of the season with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a goal in the 88th minute by senior, Whitley Griffiths.
WHAT HEAD COACH MOLLY ROUSE SAID: Tonight was an awesome example of executing in critical moments against a solid opponen. Our team has continued to commit to the process of learning and growing, which was tested this evening by a very good UNLV side. We are excited to see the grit every person displayed and we cannot be more proud of this excellent team performance. We are looking forward to refocusing and preparing for another competitive match this Sunday."
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Trailblazers wasted absolutely no time scoring the first goal of the season. Griffiths took a shot off a corner and was blocked, Kalea Woodyat was there for the ricochet and sunk the ball into the low left back of the net. The first goal of the season was Woodyat's first collegiate goal.
DSU maintained the 1-0 lead until the 23rd minute when UNLV was able to sneak one in Trailblazer keeper, Kayla Gonzales. With that, the game sat at a 1-1 draw going into halftime.
UNLV out shot Dixie State 7-3 in the first half, however Gonzales did come away with two saves.
In the second half, UNLV was on the attack. Coming away with 10 straight shots, the Blazers back line persevered and executed to hold off any more Rebel goals. In the 88th minute, Whitley Griffiths hit the game winner in the low right of the net. Woodyat had the assist for her first collegiate assist.
STAT BREAKDOWN: Griffiths led DSU with two shots including one goal. Woodyat had one shot and one goal while Emily Garbet had one shot on frame.
Gonzales recorded a full 90 minutes in the net and came away with six saves on the night.
Dixie State ended the game with six total shots and three on goal while UNLV ended with 17 total shots and seven on goal. Dixie State had six saves while UNLV had one.
NOTES TO KNOW: Dixie State is now 1-0-0 overall on the season.
UP NEXT: The Trailblazers will take on New Mexico Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. (PT) in Las Vegas. DSU's first home game is set for Sept. 10 against Pacific.
