PRESCOTT, Ariz. (August 28, 2023) - The 2023 campaign began on the west coast for the St. Thomas University (STU) Women's Soccer team (1-0) as they travels to Arizona for a two game stint. Game one welcomed Benedictine (0-3) over from Mesa to meet in a neutral location in Prescott. STU was able to hold onto an early 2-0 lead through the match and earn their first win of the season.
Captain, Megan Velazquez, got the offense going early as she connected with senior, Miranda Ferradaz to put the first one in the back of the net. Velazquez goal in the sixth minute would hold up to be the game winner.
Newcomer and graduate transfer, Gabrielle Cimino, added to the lead in the 20th minute, scoring her first Bobcat goal in her debut in the navy and burgundy.
Sun Conference Player to Watch, Nayeris Gil got the start in the net and executed her first collegiate clean sheet. The freshmen saved all three shots faced and led the defense through a solid 65 minutes before being taken out. Benedictine was only able to get one shot in the second half on Gil and it missed high.
The offense applied the pressure putting 24 shots up, 10 on frame and two in the back of the net. The momentum and push showed promise for what is to come from the Bobcats in the 2023.
St. Thomas will conclude their Arizona trip playing host, no. 9 Embry Riddle on Wednesday evening.
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