MARSHALL, Texas – Coming away with two clutch victories in their last matches, the East Texas Baptist University women's soccer team will look to continue building on the momentum as they will travel to Longview for a quick conference game against their rival LeTourneau University. With three straight wins, ETBU is now 5-4-1 overall and 2-3 in the American Southwest Conference.
Heading back to Alpine, Texas for their conference game against the Lobos of Sul Ross State University, ETBU provided themselves with a 2-1 overtime win as Ashleigh Rondon scored both of ETBU's goals in the contest. Then on Monday, ETBU picked up a major 1-0 victory over the Millsaps University Majors as Kendall Shirley scored the game-winner in the second half.
Both Rondon and Shirley have four goals each to lead the team while the former also leads in assists (four) and shots (41). In goal, Maddie Rea has made 25 saves while posting a 1.94 goals against average stat.
For head coach Erik Solberg, the recent play of ETBU coming through in the clutch is a testament to their character. "I'm really proud of how we responded in overtime," said Coach Solberg. "You know, we've haven't lost an overtime game since I've been here. We talk about that all the time. The culture and fabric of our program is such that when we get to overtime, we feel like it's our time. We did enough to get the win."
ETBU will have one contest against LETU in Longview for their 27th meeting all-time. With a 2-1 win last season, the Tigers are 18-4-4 all-time against the Yellow Jackets. In this crucial ASC matchup, both teams are tied for seventh in the conference as LETU rides a 6-3-1 record following a 3-1 loss to SRSU. Reagan Sandford has seven goals to lead on LETU while sharing the assists lead with Kara Gipson at four apiece. In goal, Mackenzie Wilbanks has allowed a 1.53 GAA while making 44 saves.
Saturday's game between the rivals starts at 5:00 PM.
