By LESLIE ARMSTRONG
After a close game against the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs the BYU women’s soccer team recorded its second overtime victory of the week Thursday night and is down to one game remaining in its regular season.
The Cougars traveled to California expecting a competitive game. The Mustangs are ranked 6th in the region and have an impressive season record. After Thursday’s game the Mustangs are now 13-5.
The Cougars improved their season record to 17-1-0.
According to a news release, the Mustangs came out strong, taking the lead with a goal just 30 seconds into the game. However, BYU was quick to retaliate with a goal by forward Shauna Rohbock 12 minutes later.
The 1-1 tie continued through the first half and was not broken until Cal Poly scored another goal early in the second half.
Defender Athelia Graham tied the game again with the second Cougar goal 20 minutes later. The goal was scored on a shot taken by Graham just outside the goalie box.
With the score tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation, the Mustangs and Cougars entered sudden death overtime play. It only took nine minutes for the Cougars to find the net to secure the final goal and another victory. The winning goal was scored by midfielder Maren Hendershot.
The Cougars now head to Stockton, Calif. today to play their last game of regular season against the University of Pacific.
The Cougars are expecting another tough match tonight but are eager to take on Pacific after losing to them in the Spring. Head coach Jennifer Rockwood said the team is ready for a rematch and hoping to finish the regular season on a positive note.
After the Cougars’ last regular season game tonight the team heads to Dallas, Texas, next week to defend its WAC championship title.
The WAC championships are scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday. BYU will play Texas Christian University Wednesday in the first round.
BYU was picked by the WAC coaches to win the Western Athletic Conference this year and hopes to fulfill those expectations next week.
