VICTORIA, Texas - The University of St. Thomas (UST) Women's Soccer team captured its third win of the season and its first in Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) play on Saturday, Sept. 22 with a 5-2 victory over the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).
The Celts immediately started on the front foot. Sophomore Katarina Maksimov (JR/Richmond, TX) opened the scoring in the 3rd minute after senior Rachael Bell (SR/Houston, TX) played a well-weighted pass in-behind the Jaguars' defense, and Maksimov finished into the far corner.
At the 20-minute mark, the Celts doubled their lead. Senior Juliana Miguel (SR/Goiania, Brazil) split the Jaguars' back line to release senior Siobhan Higgins (SR/Katy, TX) 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper. Higgins' shot was saved, but Maksimov pounced on the rebound and finished first time into the far corner from 30-yards out.
The Celts extended their lead in the 54th minute when freshman Aeriana Lewis (FR/Houston, TX) weaved through the Jaguar back line to find space on the right side. Her cross was met by sophomore Courtlyn Boxie (SO/Houston, TX) who slotted home to put the Celts up 3-0.
The Jaguars would pull one back in the 69th minute to cut the deficit to 3-1, but the Celts immediately responded a minute later. Higgins slipped in Bell who made a charging run from the midfield before calmly finishing from just outside the six-yard box.
In the 82nd minute, Maksimov completed her hat track with a strike to the far corner from 22 yards.
Junior Katarina Maksimov reflected on the win after the game: "It felt really good to get our first conference win against UHV, even more so playing away from home. We worked really hard as a team, and I thought we had a few intense practices in preparation for this game."
A goal by the Jaguars in the 84th minute was too little, too late, and the Celts improved to 3-2 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.
"Our team showed great maturity today, playing in a difficult environment here in Victoria against well organized and well coached UHV team. Response from the players after a tough away weekend was phenomenal, we are playing with more confidence, and this creates a great start for us as we open up conference play," said Coach Nikola Barjaktarevic.
The Celts are back in action this Thursday, Sept. 27 as they play Louisiana State University - Alexandria (LSUA). The team will play again at home on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. against Louisiana State University - Shreveport (LSUS) at Houston Sports Park.
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https://www.uhvjaguars.com/SIDHelp/fullBoxScores/20/6/2298
