scschroc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

Two weekend matches proved to be battles as the women’s soccer team looked to jump to the top of the RMAC standings. The Mavs picked up four points with a 2-1 win over Adams State on Friday and a 2-2 overtime tie at University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Sunday to capture sole possession of second place in conference standings.

Sarah Pope continued her scoring ways on Friday with a goal early and another late to move the Mavs up in conference standings.

“Our remaining strength of schedule is very tough, and keeping high in the standings will continue to become more and more difficult,” midfielder Veronica Rodriguez said.

Kelci Crispe floated a free kick towards goal in the ninth minute that bounced around before Pope finished it to give the Mavs another early lead.

Both teams were able to produce enough chances during the end-to-end match, with the Mavs taking 19 shots compared to Adams State’s 14. The Mavs controlled most of the match until Jenna Iwaniec’s goal in the 65th minute tied the game for Adams State.

Pope left little doubt in the Mavs’ minds, however, with a game-winning goal one minute later. Freshman Brittany Halcomb passed to Pope, who dribbled through the Adams’ defense to beat the keeper.

Redshirt freshman keeper Gina Goryoka made two saves and picked up her first win as a Maverick with regular starter Sara Schnetzler sitting out because of back soreness.

After the win over Adams State, the Mavs had a chance to take control of first place in the conference with a match at UC-Colorado Springs. Two goals from Rodriguez and Jessica Kent looked to secure a first-place standing, but Colorado Springs’ Jessie Gruelich and Jade Hilbert produced two goals to force a draw.

“After the lead, we took our foot off the gas,” Kent said. “We needed to put another goal away.”

Both teams put 13 shots on target, producing big saves from each keeper. Captain Leilani Wiernicki had a chance to win the game late, but her shot struck the crossbar with 15 seconds left, forcing overtime.

“I thought it was going in,” Wiernicki said. “When it hit the crossbar I thought that it was just a taste of a win that was going to happen because we had so many chances prior to that direct kick.”

The Mavs (8-1-3, 5-1-2) have another chance to take over the top conference spot with a home game on Friday against Colorado School of Mines.