Irving, Texas – The Centenary women's soccer team scored the winning goal in the 73rd minute to break a tie as the Ladies defeated the University of Dallas Crusaders, 3-2, on Friday in a key Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference match at the University of Dallas soccer complex.
The Ladies (13-1, 4-1 SCAC) continued their best start in program history in the division III era and became the first team to score on the Crusaders (8-5-1, 4-1) in the last six games and won for the first time in program history at Dallas. The Ladies are now 7-8 all-time against the Crusaders after this season's series sweep. The two teams are tied for second in the league standings behind leader Trinity. Southwestern is 4-2 in SCAC play and in third place.
Centenary defeated Dallas, 2-1, at Mayo Field back on Sept. 29 before conference play began and that marked the last time that Dallas had allowed a goal and the Crusaders had shut out their last five opponents entering Friday's action. The Ladies, who are ranked 10th in the Region in the United Soccer Coaches West Regional Poll this week and have been ranked for four consecutive weeks, improved to 6-1 away from home this season.
The Ladies struck first in Friday's match as senior Betza Bravo (Katy, Texas) scored her fifth goal of the season in the 23rd minute of the match. Fellow seniors and Shreveport natives Kyra Montes and Emilee Byrd assisted on Bravo's goal.
Senior midfielder Migui Boldrin (Ribeiaro, Brazil) made it 2-0 just minutes before halftime as she scored her conference-leading 14th goal of the season with double assists credited to Montes and Bravo. Dallas's Bella Luna cut the Centenary lead to 2-1 just minutes into the second half with an unassisted goal and 20 minutes later Luna tied the match with an assist from teammate Monica O'Donnell. Six minutes later sophomore Gabby McDonald (Pasadena, Texas) received a pass from Boldrin and scored her second goal of the season to give the Ladies the thrilling road win with Boldrin credited with an assist. Freshman goalkeeper Karlie Delhommer (St. Amant, La.) recorded another victory and had six saves.
Boldrin and Montes were at the center of another Centenary victory which has become a common theme this season as the two seniors form the most dynamic duo in the SCAC. The two have combined for 22 goals, 13 assists, and 57 points. The two are tied for first in the league in goals per game and Montes ranks first in points per game and assists per game, and second in assists and points. She is tied for third in goals and the two are tied for first with four game-winning goals each. Boldrin leads the SCAC in shots, shots per game, points, and goals, and is second in points per game.
The Ladies continue SCAC play on Sunday as they travel to Sherman, Texas to face Austin College at Noon. #GoCentenary #CTheOpportunity
