scschroc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

Three is an unlucky number for the CMU women’s soccer team. Their 3-1 loss at Regis University on Sunday is just the third game they haven’t won this season, and the first loss since November of last year. The three goals allowed also matches the score line of the November loss in which Regis ended the Mavs’ NCAA tournament run.

The loss puts Regis atop the RMAC standings with 16 points, and the Mavs’ 2-0 win at Colorado Christian on Friday, leaves the Mavs three points behind in second.

The No. 13 Mavericks have scored first in seven of their games this season, with three goals coming in the first 10 minutes. At Regis, however, the Mavs gave up two early goals, allowing both before the fifth minute.

“Unfortunately we came out flat and our group defending was unorganized,” midfielder Veronica Rodriguez said. “Regis had two early chances and they capitalized on them.”

The early deficit was an unfamiliar situation for the Mavs and essentially changed the course of the game.

“We were chasing the whole game but we didn’t drop our heads,” Rodriguez said. “We kept taking it to them and got our one late goal.”

Regis forward Sydny Otto took advantage of the Mavs’ slow start by scoring her fifth goal of the season one minute into the match. Tayler Franklin had a chance to level the game 20 seconds later, but sent her shot over the crossbar. Regis’ Marissa Davis capitalized her chance in the fifth minute to put the Mavs in their largest deficit of the season.

A late goal from Renae McFadden avoided the shutout, and gave the Mavs something positive to build on moving forward.

“Renae’s goal definitely shows the heart and fight that our team has,” said captain Kelci Crispe. “We won’t be a team that gives up, no matter what the score is.”

Teams never want to lose, but this loss could end up being a good thing for the Mavs. Playing with a loss under their belt can make them a better team.

“It was a wake up call for our team,” Crispe said. “We need to start playing at a quicker pace and this loss solidified that. I don’t think it’s good to go into the playoffs without having a loss. If we end up on the losing end of a score, we would panic and not know how to handle it. Now we have that experience.”

The team (7-1-2, 4-1-1) will take the experience with them to Adams State on Friday, followed by Colorado Springs on Sunday.