FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University women's soccer team (11-4-1) advanced in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament with a 1-0 quarter-final win over Oklahoma City University (5-9-1) at Martin Field on Friday.  
 
The Lady Rams had trouble defending the upset minded Stars in the first half. Oklahoma City missed on a pair of great opportunities on two break-away runs. The first was on a shot by Allison Worsham that beat the keeper, but was rejected by the post. Worsham got to the rebound to have another go, but that shot went wide right of the goal on the west side of Martin Field.
 
Jordan Stellato kept the match at nil-nil later in the match, when a Stars corner found Worsham again to put in a header on frame, but Stellato blocked the shot with a clutch defensive effort.
 
With under five minutes left in the first half, the Stars had their best chance of the night. An Oklahoma City forward timed a through pass sharply to beat the Wesleyan back line, sprinting toward goal for a favorable one versus one situation. As the striker jetted toward Nikki Lockwood, the Lady Ram keeper timed her dribble perfectly. Lockwood met shot at the top of the box, smothering the ball and any chance of a score with a masterful save.
 
Texas Wesleyan survived the attack to keep the game scoreless, while the Stars had to feel like they let a couple of opportunities get away.
 
The second half swayed in favor of the home team, with the Lady Rams more organized and confident defensively. Sandy Villareal nearly put the Rams on top with a shot picked out of mid-air that sailed just high of the crossbar in the 65th minute. Texas Wesleyan continued to work the defense, being as inventive and dangerous as they have been all season.
 
The hard work paid off in the 79th minute, as a smooth pass from Villareal found the foot of Paige Wheaton to muscle the ball into the back of the net to give the Lady Rams a 1-0 lead. Wesleyan held off the Stars attack the rest of the way for the win.
 
"Great game tonight." cheered head coach Josh Gibbs after the win, "they made some changes from when we played them a week ago that took some time to adjust to. There is no one in the game I respect more than [Oklahoma City head coach] Brian Harvey. As I expected, there were some changes and his team came prepared. It was a great game of attacking soccer, and they had their fair share of chances. I really feel for them because they have some very talented players. It can be a cruel game, and we avoided that fate tonight."   
 
Lockwood (11-4-1) earned the shutout with four saves. Wheaton posted the lone goal, with two shots on goal. Villareal got off one shot, and notched an assist. Brianna Wilson had two shots on goal in the win.
 
"The players were fantastic," said Gibbs when asked about the performance from his players, "they fought through the rough spots and kept their wits about them. Of all the great soccer they played tonight, I was proudest of their composure. This is simply a great team to coach and watch play, and very pleased with another great team win."
 
The Lady Rams will host third seeded Oklahoma Baptist in the Sooner Athletic Conference semi-final match at Martin Field on Monday, November 10 at 7:00 pm.
 

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Ramblings
The Lady Rams are 12-6-2 all-time in SAC play, and 2-1 all-time in SAC Tournament play
The Lady Rams have had 7 consecutive 10+ win season including 2008 when they won a school record 15 games
With the win, the Rams are now 13-13-1 all-time in postseason play
Texas Wesleyan is 4-11 all-time versus Oklahoma City University