FORT WORTH – The Texas Wesleyan Women's Soccer team (1-0) kicked-off the season with a 5-2 win over NAIA newcomer Texas A&M University – San Antonio (0-1) at Martin Field on Saturday. TXWES newcomer
Cara Zwilling earned a hat trick (11', 56', 72') in her Lady Ram debut.
Zwilling, a junior psychology major from Fort Worth, played in her first game in three years after recovering from an acl injury she suffered in 2017.
"My main focus before the game was to have fun, and I did that," commented Zwilling on the performance. "Overall, I feel blessed to be able to experience the love for the game again. Scoring three goals was unexpected, but definitely made the moment more special."
2020 All-SAC honoree Savanna Baron got things started early, scoring in the 2nd minute from inside the box after a she redirected a deflected ball into the right corner of the goal. The senior athletic training major from North Richland Hills, TX stayed busy, posting two assists.
Kristen Carter also added a goal on an assist by freshman biology major
Kirkland Redic.
The Jaguars added a pair of goals in short succession in the 67th and 69th minutes, but the chances dried up and A&M San Antonio could not put another on frame before the final whistle.
Texas Wesleyan honored the 2018 SAC Championship team during halftime. During the 2018 season, the Lady Rams went 13-4-1 overall including an 8-game win streak, while going 7-1-1 in Sooner Athletic Conference play. Head coach
Josh Gibbs was named SAC Coach of the Year, while the team ended the season ranked 19th in the nation.
Tameir Grosvenor was named SAC Player of the year and honorable mention NAIA All-America. Amber Leachman was named SAC Defensive Player of the Year. Goalkeeper Lauren Bond was named First Team All-SAC, while Taylor Ross and Cheyanne Moore were second-team All-SAC selections. Cat Smith and Reilly Stone were also named NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
It was a major first for the visiting team as Texas A&M – San Antonio competed in its first soccer game in school history. The institution received membership into the NAIA in May.
Up next, the team will host Arlington Baptist on Friday, August 27. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Martin Field.
