Hobbs, NM – UST women's soccer team traveled more than 590 miles for their first of the two road games this weekend and faced talented University of the Southwest Lady Mustangs in Hobbs, NM. An early goal by Aeriana Lewis (FR/Houston, TX) turned to be the only goal for the game.

It was Kathryne Padgett who won the aerial challenge sending the ball forward towards Lewis, who although pushed off initially by Mustangs defender, regained balance and hit the ball first time. With USW goalkeeper Avendano slightly out of the goal, Aeriana Lewis made no mistake, and her projectile from 30 yards out smashed into the net. Official time of the goal was 3:29 in the first half.

Celts were able to hold on to the lead and the game finished 1-0. Both teams created chances with a slight advantage going to the Celts. Goalkeeper Jordan Thompson (SR/Spring, TX) helped keep the clean sheet with a key save in the second half. The duo of central defenders, Mariah Escobar (SR/Houston, TX), and Sydney Wright (JR/Katy, TX), held Mustang scoreless assuring the third shutout for the Celts this year.

"Every win in RRAC is important – this one especially, and I have no doubt that Southwest will be one of the teams in the postseason tournament this year. Goal Ari scored was special, and it was a spark we needed. Although we can always be more clinical in our finishing, I'm delighted what this type of game and grinding out the result in this type of game will mean to our team. I feel like we continue to grow as a team and we need this challenge," said Coach Nikola Barjaktarevic.

Celts improve to 5-2-1 overall and 3-0-1 in the Red River Athletic Conference and are currently in second place. In the NAIA Coaches Poll, they are still number one in the RRAC and are receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (equivalent to #35 in the nation).

The University of St. Thomas women's and men's teams are traveling to Dallas, TX and will play Paul Quinn College this Saturday, October 6 at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.