STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Tarleton State put up a strong fight against the Lancers, tying California Baptist 0-0 in Thursday evening's matchup.
The Texans (7-6-6, 1-4-4 WAC) and the Lancers (10-7-2, 6-2-1 WAC) battled it out in Stephenville on Thursday in a physical match that ended in a scoreless draw. Seven Texans recorded shots on the night, and goalkeepers Rylie Bloomfield and Mikayla Kendall split the net.
Stevie Reynolds started the match off early for Tarleton State with the first shot of the night occurring in just the 21st second. Forward Sam Liaty dribbled the ball up the left side of the field and towards the center, where she crossed it over to Reynolds who took a shot at the goal from the left corner of the box. However, the CBU goalkeeper caught it before it made it into the net.
The Texans were able to keep the Lancers off the board when they headed a CBU corner kick out of the goalie area and back towards midfield.
Reegan Wagg took two great shots for the Texans midway through the first half. After receiving the ball just above the box, Wagg took a high shot that bounced off the right corner of the crossbar and back out towards the field. Moments later, Wagg took another shot at the goal, this time sending it just barely wide left of the upright.
Mikayla Kendall started the second half for Tarleton State, earning her second save of the night in the 60th minute. After receiving the ball in the top left corner of the box, the Lancers dribbled it in towards the center of the field before firing it at the goal. Kendall was able to read it and got in front of it to make the save.
TSU had a great chance at putting up a score when Zoe Ballard fired a set piece from deep in midfield late in the match. The ball bounced off the head of one of the Lancers but flew behind her and continued towards the goal. The CBU goalkeeper managed to run and catch it just before the Texans had a chance to knock it in.
Tarleton State had two more great chances in the final few minutes of the match. With under four minutes left, Liaty launched a corner kick into the goalie area where Reynolds headed it towards the goal, but the Lancer's goalie dove on it. With 1:30 remaining, Liaty made a cross from left field over to Reynolds, but the ball was deflected just outside of the goal as several players collided in an attempt to retrieve the ball.
The Texans outshot the Lancers 10-8 and recorded one more shot on goal, and TSU had a 7-4 corner kick advantage. Kendall earned four saves during the second half to help keep California Baptist scoreless.
Tarleton State will honor its nine seniors on Sunday for Senior Day in their final home game and final regular season game against Utah Valley. The Texans will also be celebrating Greek Life Day with couches on the field. More information will be released soon.
