The Southern Utah University women’s soccer team got shut out in their first two games of the homestand on Thursday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 12 to California Baptist University and Utah Valley University at the Thunderbird Soccer Field.
With the losses, SUU falls to 2-9-2 with a 1-4 record in the Western Athletic Conference.
CBU sits at 8-6-1 with a 4-1 WAC record. UVU improved to 8-4-2 with a 4-0-1 WAC record.
Game one
CBU took an early lead, scoring on their first shot of the game at the 8:10 mark. Senior forward Kaylee Hauck recorded the goal with an assist from midfielder Anja Jestrovic.
The junior from Belgrade, Serbia is second on CBU in points despite being 12th in minutes and having one goal.
The teams played tough defense in the first half, kicking just two on-target shots. The second half featured more offense and aggressive play as high wind and rain near the end caused possession to change wildly.
Both teams received yellow cards in the half, and SUU defender Aubrey Murray was given a red card after a collision near the penalty box with CBU forward Ava Westlund that denied a clear scoring opportunity. Murray was ejected with 15 minutes left.
However, a review after the game determined the red card should have been given to SUU keeper Jazmyn Brass, meaning she was suspended from the game against UVU. Brass finished the game and had three saves, all in the second half.
CBU keeper Mikayla O’Brien had one save in each half. She notched her WAC-leading fifth shutout as the Lancers held on to win 1-0.
Top T-Birds
— Senior Whitney Gardner and freshman Dakota Hansen had two shots with one on-target each.
— Defender Aubrie Labno played all 90 minutes. Hansen was right behind with 87.
— Freshman Carly Radke was the only other T-Bird with a shot, hitting one after 17 minutes of play as a substitute.
Game two
Goalie Esme Barnes replaced Brass during the latter’s suspension. The junior from Ashland, Oregon started her first game of the year, played all 90 minutes and had a career-high seven saves on 14 shots faced.
UVU opened with three on-target shots in the first three minutes of the game. Barnes put up a fight but the third shot got past her to put the Wolverines up early.
The goal was scored by UVU’s top scorer, midfielder Ruby Hladek. The senior from Ladera Ranch, California has nine goals and eight assists, placing her among the best in the WAC in both categories.
The assist came from sophomore defender Bailey Peterson, notching her second of the year.
UVU recorded six shots over the rest of the half, with two saved by Barnes. SUU had two, with one saved by UVU senior goalie Leah Wolf.
The first 22 minutes of the second half saw just two shots, both shot by UVU and saved by Barnes. UVU then scored a goal from redshirt sophomore Josie Shepherd for her third of the year.
She was assisted by senior Marie Quentel and freshman Quinn Rustand. It was the latter’s first assist and point of the year.
After a shot on goal and foul for Labno, UVU struck again four minutes later with a goal from Quentel, assisted by forward Sadie Beardall. The pair recorded their second goal and second assist respectively.
There was one shot each for both teams over the next four minutes, and both were saved. The final 14 minutes saw no shots as UVU preserved the 3-0 shutout win.
Top T-Birds
— In her first start and second game of the year, Barnes had seven saves with a save percentage over 70%.
— Murray and freshman forward Sicily Clark played all 90 minutes. Labno was close behind with 88.
— Forward Kayleigh Acree had two shots with one on goal, and was one of two T-Birds with an on-target shot alongside Radke.
Up next
SUU is at home in the Thunderbird Soccer Field for their next two games. The first is on Thursday, Oct. 16 versus Abilene Christian University at 3 p.m., followed by a face off with Tarleton State University on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. Both games will also be on ESPN+.
Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
