Wednesday, September 16, 2015

PORTALES, N.M. — The Eastern New Mexico University women's soccer team moved to 2-3-1 on the season after a 1-0 shutout performance against in-state rival New Mexico Highlands University Wednesday.

Morgan Fairbanks scored with 19:11 remaining in the first period off an assist from Samantha Silvestre, giving the Greyhounds what would be a final 1-0 lead.  The goal was Fairbanks second of the season and her first career game winning goal.

The win put Eastern ahead 5-3 overall against Highlands and 7-2 at home under head coach Omar Morales.  Morales said, "The most important thing about this win was the fact we competed for the entire 90 minutes.  If you saw the game we could've been able to win by two or three goals, so we have to keep working on finishing, but we are very proud of our team for their performance."

The Greyhounds were pressing the attack the entire game, recording 15 shots with five shots on goal compared to the Cowgirls six shots with three on goal.  ENMU also had more corner kicks with five, while Highlands only had one attempt.

On defense, Karissa Stinson showed off some sure hands in the match, allowing no goals and recording three saves.  The start Wednesday was her first of the season and she showed why she deserved it.  "She came in on Sunday for us and has been great ever since.  She just has an aura of confidence about her that she can do whatever she wants in the box," said Morales.

ENMU will host West Texas A&M University Sept. 23, kicking off Lone Star Conference play at 3:00 p.m.  West Texas heads into the week 1-3 on the season.