Box Score FORT WORTH - Sometimes, all it takes is one aggressive play to change a game. That's what Texas Wesleyan (13-3-1, 8-1-1 SAC) got and that's what helped propel the Lady Rams to a 2-0 victory over Southwestern Christian (8-10-1, 2-7 SAC) in the first round of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Friday night at Martin Field.

After a monotone first 18 minutes of the match, forward Tameir Grosvenor raced towards a ball rolling into the box, when Eagle goalkeeper Ashlynn Haylett swooped in and took out Grosvenor before the ball even found her foot. With a penalty awarded, Grosvenor calmly placed the ball in the top left-hand corner to break the scoreless tie. From there, the Lady Rams found their rhythm and Grosvenor found her 22nd goal of the season - now just seven goals behind the Lady Rams all-time record holder, Jessica Carrion, 29 in 2003.

"It was a bit of a slow start for us tonight," said Head Coach Josh Gibbs. "But we worked through it, and were able to finish two chances. We know we're going to have to turn in a much better performance on Monday night in order to earn a place in the final."

Grosvenor added another goal in the 40th minute, assisted by Taylor Ross, for her 23rd goal of 2018 - now just six away from tying the record. 

The game could have turned out differently and more dramatic down the stretch if not for a little luck and one amazing save. In the 42nd minute off a Texas Wesleyan foul, Mariah Cook's set-piece shot from about 40-yards out took a sharp downward turn as goalkeeper Christy Zwart reached up to collect it, only, she never had a chance. The ball caromed off the crossbar, sending a major sigh of relief through the crowd of roughly 400 on hand to watch the Lady Rams win their third quarterfinal match at home in the last four years. 

In the 58th minute, Southwestern Christian had an opportunity to close the gap with a penalty of their own. It would be Matrevia Henry who would take the shot. Zwart, who typically concedes the second half for Lauren Bond, remained out on the field and guessed right. She dove towards the right post just getting a hand on the ball for the tremendous save. With the ball still in play, Emily Anderson eventually gathered the team for another look, but shot it same-post wide from the side. Zwart saved three, while Haylett's eight saves kept the match close.

Texas Wesleyan out-shot the Eagles 16-8, including out-shooting Southwestern Christian 7-2 in the first half following Grosvenor's PK.

ACTION ACROSS THE CONFERENCE
All four quarterfinals matches were played Friday. No. 2 Oklahoma City cruised pass No. 7 MACU, 4-1; No. 4 John Brown took out Central Christian 5-0 and No. 3 Science and Arts-Oklahoma breezed past Wayland Baptist 5-1.

WHAT'S NEXT
The No. 1 Texas Wesleyan Lady Rams will meet the No. 4 John Brown Eagles Monday night on Martin Field. The two teams just played to close out the regular season in Arkansas, where Texas Wesleyan had to survive an onslaught of attacks in the final minutes to hold on for a 1-0 victory. The two teams haven't met in the SAC Tournament since 2015, when the Lady Rams had to go to John Brown in the opening round, falling 5-1.