Senior trio sets pace for UHV's Senior Day win over NAU

UHV head coach Adrian Rigby challenged his seven seniors to set the tone over the final two weeks of the season.

The message was aimed at charging the team up to secure a spot in the Red River Athletic Conference and the team took a big step toward that with a 4-1 win over North American University during Senior Day on Saturday at The Cage.

Seniors Osiel Robledo, Diby Kouassi and Carlos Quinones each scored and assisted on the Jaguars (7-5-2, 5-5-1) four goals. Their performance also helped UHV snap a three-game losing streak.

"We talked about it after our last game, creating more scoring chances," Rigby said. "As a group, we decided we needed to do what the things that make college soccer what it is. We mixed in the passion, the hard work and desire with our skill set, and we're a very skilled team. Today was a total team win."

Robledo opened the scoring in the ninth minute finishing off a ball played to him by Kouassi from Quinones' corner kick.

It was the second goal of the year for the Houston native. He contributed three of UHV's 25 shots while the Jaguars held the Stallions (5-8-2, 2-5-2) to 10 shots.

"I think in the home stretch of the season, we're going to be able to shoot more," Robledo said. "We're going to be more comfortable with each other and find more ways to get goals. Hopefully that leads us in a positive way to the conference tournament."

Robledo had two assists to his credit on Saturday, first with Kouassi's goal in the 64^th minute and then on Einar Rolfsen's goal in the 89^th minute.

Both assists came after Quinones doubled UHV's lead with a penalty in the 57^th minute, the first goal of the season for Quinones.

"I'm really proud of this team," Quinones said, "I know how hard we've been working for this. We've had some tough games. So, getting this win is a good experience and moment for us. It can help us for the final two games and accomplish our goal of reaching the conference tournament."

Rolfsen's goal to cap the scoring for UHV was his third of the year and first since Sept. 5 against Dallas Christian College.

The sophomore also had a team-high nine shots on goal on Saturday.

"He made something out of nothing on that goal," Rigby said. "He was marked well and fought through a challenge and finished it well. So for us, just seeing his emotions and how excited he was was great."

Junior goalkeeper Tyler Kaeppeli earned his fifth win of the season.

At halftime, the Jaguars recognized seniors Kouassi, Quinones, Robledo, Matt Sturgeon, Adam Thompson, Klaidas Pudlauskas and Archie Mills.

With the win, the Jaguars now only need one win in their final two matches to clinch a conference tournament berth.

UHV hosts Our Lady of the Lake on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m.