MARSHALL, Texas — Striking early in the match, East Texas Baptist University held firm defensively to notch its first win, edging the University of St. Thomas Houston, 1-0, on Friday night at Cornish Field. ETBU is now 1-1-1 after opening up last weekend in California.

Mallory Duncan provided the difference in the ninth minute, finishing a pass from Jordan Vitale for the lone goal. The Tigers (1-0) recorded eight shots with five on target.

Goalkeeper Cadence Tischler anchored the defense with four key saves to preserve the shutout. UST took five shots overall, four of which were on goal.

"With all the stuff we've been doing this week in practice with intensity and effort, I think we used that as the same game plan," Duncan said. "Just going after every ball and hunting — that's been our motto all week. I think that's what's going to keep up the momentum."

UST fought back in the second half with three shots, two of which were on goal. The Celts had two chances in a four-minute period in the 63rd and 67th minutes, but Tischler stopped both shots. One last effort by UST came in the 81st minute, but the shot went left. ETBU took seven of their eight shots in the second half, four of which were on goal.

ETBU returns to action Sunday at 3:30 p.m., hosting Southwestern at Cornish Field.