GOLDEN, Colo. - Colorado School of Mines women's soccer celebrated its senior class on Sunday as they fell in a 2-1 heartbreaker to Regis at Stermole Stadium.
The Orediggers (5-2-2, 1-1-1 RMAC) led 20-7 on shots and dominated second-half possession, but the Rangers (8-2-0, 4-0-0 RMAC) received a brace from Fernanda Rodriguez along with 10 saves by Maggie Payne to prevail.
Natalie Rouse, one of five seniors honored by the Orediggers after the match, scored Mines' goal late in the first half. Rouse,
Gaby Guerrero,
Ariana Ahumada,
Finley Ewald, and
Keira Garcia were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the program, which includes five combined RMAC titles and two NCAA regional championships.
Rouse nearly made it 1-0 early on with a corner kick header that sailed just over the bar, but Regis countered with a speculative long-range shot by Rodriguez that was mishandled at the line and bounced in for a goal in the 29th minute. Mines pressured back late in the half and cashed in when Rouse headed home
Jordan Bowermaster's corner in the 42nd minute, the senior's second goal of the season and 14th as an Oredigger.
The Orediggers piled on pressure early in the second half, testing Payne with five shots on goal in the opening dozen minutes, but it was again Rodriguez who scored for the Rangers against the run of play in the 59th minute. The striker took a pass from the touchline by Brooke Castillo and rifled a 25-yard shot into the top right corner to lead 2-1.
Mines continued to hunt for another equalizer with 12 second-half shots, but the Ranger defense repelled all of them as Payne had eight of her 10 saves in the second period.
Garcia made three stops for Mines.
Bella Campos and Lindsey Jeans were constant threats up front with five shots each.
The Orediggers return to action Friday, hosting Colorado Christian at Stermole Stadium at 7 p.m.
