IRVING, Texas — The Southwestern University Pirates women's soccer team dominated the second half of its match against the University of Dallas Crusaders in a 3-0 victory on the road.
Southwestern pressed its advantage most of the first half with an 11-6 edge in shots attempted, with all five shots on goal saved by Dallas goalie Olivia Severson to go into halftime with a scoreless match.
Lauren Lee finally broke things open for the Pirates less than five minutes into the second half, receiving a pass from Samiah Varnell on the right side and beating goalie Severson to the left.
The Pirates' defense tightened in the second half, holding the Crusaders to just two shots and a single corner kick. Southwestern goalie Mary Cardone faced only one shot on goal the entire day, recording the Pirates' seventh shutout victory of the season; six in conference play.
Southwestern had an 8-2 advantage in shots in the second half, recording a 19-8 edge for the match. The Crusaders' defense buckled late, surrendering two goals within four minutes of each other at the 69:50 and 73:31 marks.
Romie Reyna scored the Pirates' second goal on a free kick from roughly 27 yards out for her third goal of the season and Emily Schmalstieg followed with her first goal of the season when Sarah McGinn found her in front of the goal to beat the keeper to the left.
With the win, the Pirates improve to 8-5 on the season and 6-3 in SCAC play, currently sitting second in conference. The Crusaders drop to 3-8-2 and 2-6-1 in conference play. Southwestern will resume play on the road in San Antonio against Trinity on Tuesday, Oct. 23 before closing its regular season with three home matches against Dallas, Ecclesia College, and Austin College from Oct. 26-28.