FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University women's soccer team (4-2, 1-0 SAC) took a 2-1 win over St. Gregory's University (2-6-1, 0-1 SAC) in their first Sooner Athletic Conference competition of the season at Martin Field on Friday.
 
In the 14th minute, a header at midfield from Staci Popejoy found Shrareh Asadi's feet in stride.  Asadi crossed to Alexis Michaelkovich who took an open blast.  SGU goalkeeper Jena Flewelling made the save, but Lauren Kee was there to put the rebound in the net.
 
Ten minutes later a strike from Kailene Allis hit the post, but Kaitlin Bush knocked the rebound in for her fifth goal of the season and a 2-0 lead.
 
The Rams dominated play for most of the game, outshooting the Cavaliers 31-7 in the contest, including 15-2 in the first half.
 
"I thought the first half was the best we've played all year," said head coach Josh Gibbs.  "Paige Wheaton and Kaylie Hart were incredible in the midfield all night.  We moved the ball well and created chances."
 
With ten minutes to play, Brianna Wilson nearly made it 3-0, but her shot hit the crossbar and was a breath away from crossing the plane.
 
SGU's Araceli Flores came to life late in the game and made several strong runs against the Texas Wesleyan back line.  In the 83rd minute, Flores had a look at an open net, but Jordan Stellato made a terrific paly to knock the ball away at the last moment.
 
In the 85th minute Emily Lee took a shot from the far left wing.  Her shot appeared to be saved by Nikki Lockwood and hit the crossbar, but the linesman deemed the ball had crossed the plane and the Cavaliers inched within a goal.
 
The Rams were able to hold on and not allow the Cavaliers another shot attempt as time expired.
 
"We got a little sloppy in the second half," Gibbs said.  "but we still put them under pressure.  We went away from what we do, and that showed.  We will work on that before Tuesday and continue to get better."
 
Flewelling and Haylee Merrill combined to make 11 saves for the Cavs while SGU scored on their only shot on goal.
 
The Rams will return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Shawnee, OK, to take on Oklahoma Baptist University.  That game is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start.