OKLAHOMA CITY, OK: The Texas Wesleyan University Women's Soccer team (7-2, 2-1 SAC) took a thrilling 2-1 victory at Oklahoma City University (5-3, 1-1 SAC) on Tuesday.
The victory came on the heels of a disappointing loss against No. 23 John Brown University. The Lady Rams responded to that loss by delivering the program's first ever win at OCU. Oklahoma City now leads the all-time series 12-7, but the Lady Rams have taken the last two meetings.
"This was a very gritty performance by the girls today," Head Coach Josh Gibbs said following the game. "We weren't able to settle in during the first half, but they really switched on in the second half. It's a great performance after a tough loss on Saturday. I'm very proud of the team's heart, fight, and desire to win."
Oklahoma City outshot the Rams 8-6 in the first half, but Christy Zwart came up with five saves in the period to keep the game scoreless at the intermission.
Early in the second half, a bounding ball appeared to be knocked in by McKenzie Dyer with an assist from Samantha Moore, but was initially ruled an OCU own goal.
Either way, the Rams snared a 1-0 lead and momentum in the contest. Texas Wesleyan went on to outshoot the Stars 7-3 in the second half.
In the 77th minute, Tameir Grosvenor powered a ball by OCU keeper Kristen Thomas. That strike proved to be the game-winner as the Stars kept the pressure on with a goal from Sara Ricks just 1:07 later.
The TXWES back-line allowed only one shot in the waning minutes of the game, but Zwart was up to the task, making her seventh save of the night to improve to 6-1 on the season.. Thomas (4-3) made six saves in the loss.
For the game, the Rams outshot the Stars 13-11 although both teams finished with eight shots on goal. The Stars led 3-1 in corner kick opportunities and benefitted from a 9-5 foul count.
The Rams will return to the friendly confines of Martin Field to take on Southwestern Christian University (4-6, 1-2 SAC) on Saturday. That game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
Ramblings
- Tameir Grosvenor has now scored in seven of her first eight collegiate games. She currently ranks third nationally with 16 goals on the season and fourth with 35 points.
- The Rams are now 24-12-5 all-time in SAC play.
- The Rams are 5-0 all-time against Southwestern Christian University.
