KERRVILLE, Texas – In the second meeting with the Mountaineers in less than a week, another penalty kick proves to be the game-winning goal for the Ladies.
In a stalemate for the contest's first 89 minutes, a penalty kick by junior Kyra Montes proved to be the difference as Centenary (6-0, 4-0 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) knocked off Schreiner (1-3-1, 0-2 SCAC) 1-0 Friday afternoon, September 14.
With the victory, the Ladies have now tied the 1995 team for the most wins to begin a season. Montes has a goal in every game for 2018 and tied the national lead in game-winning goals with four. Centenary also has a goal in the last 10 minutes of regulation in all but the first game of the year.
It was also the first win in Kerrville ever for the Ladies.
"We've won a lot of one-goal games, but these young Ladies continue to suprise me with how they do it," said head coach Greg Cathell. "I thought today was a very even game that either team could have won. Fortunately, we were able to come out on top."
After a first half that saw Schreiner outshoot the Ladies 6-5 and 3-1 in shots on goal, neither team managed even an attempt in the first 44:25 of the second half. That is until junior Serena Gallegos was fouled in the box when the Schreiner defender attempted to shield her from the ball with her arm. Montes, who attempted her second penalty kick in less than a week against the Mountaineers, went left in the bottom 90 to find the back of the net.
"Serena and Emilee Byrd played absolutely amazing games for us today. They seemed to be coming out with 50/50 balls throughout and both were brilliant in 1v1 defense," said Cathell.
Montes lofted the ball over the goalkeeper's head in Centenary's 3-2 win against Schreiner in Shreveport last Sunday.
Sophomore Maggie Pitcher played the entire game in goal, grabbing three saves in recording her sixth collegiate shutout. For Schreiner, Jordin Torso tallied a save on two shots faced.
"Maggie was also great for us today in goal. She commanded the back lineand kept us organized throughout," said Cathell.
Freshman Kat Martinez had the other shot on goal for the Ladies, while Tacey Howell led Schreiner with two shots and one on target.
Centenary returns to the pitch Sunday when it takes on Trinity. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
