Women’s Soccer taking undefeated record into conference play

Things have just clicked for the UHV Women's Soccer team through the first month of the 2024 season.

The Jaguars boast a 3-0 record for the first time since 2021 when the team won 11 games, an average of 13.3 shots per game and a 0.33 Goals Allowed Average. Their shots average ranks third in the Red River Athletic Conference while their 0.33 GAA ranks eighth in the NAIA.

UHV now turns its focus to RRAC play with a road trip to East Texas to face Texas College at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Lear Park in Longview and Jarvis Christian at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Hawkins.

"We're playing well and doing the right things right now," said head coach Adrian Rigby. "Entering conference play, we've just got to worry about one game at a time. I think we've got a lot of confidence and that's something relatable to the '21 team. But right now we're going to focus on Texas College then Jarvis."

The team is coming off a season-high of 17 shots in a 3-1 win over Schreiner last Friday.

Freshman Luz Capuchino was named the RRAC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring the game-winning goal and providing an assist on the team's third goal off a header from Trine Stenderup-Jorgensen. It's the third consecutive week a UHV player was recognized as she joins senior goalkeeper Hayli Nichols and sophomore Arantza Alva in winning weekly honors.

The 17 shots on Friday was the second consecutive game with over 15 shots for the Jaguars, and the three goals served as a breakthrough after battling for a pair of 1-0 wins to open the season at Nelson University and Wayland Baptist.

"When we opened up our season, we picked what our mentality was going to be," said sophomore forward Kaydee Cox. "We decided on hard-working. We're working hard to get to the first ball. We're working hard to finish. I think that's given a spark to our team. … Where we're at right now, it's good, but we want to be great."

Rigby attributes UHV's strong defensive play through the first three matches to the front line's ability to press and put pressure on opponents.

Through the first three matches of the year, the Jaguars have limited opponents to 18 shots and only six on goal. Nichols is tied for the national lead with a 0.00 GAA in two matches.

"All our backs are playing well, our goalkeepers are playing well," Rigby said, "but the defensive side starts with the attacking players as well. They're working hard in front of the defense to prevent any opportunities. So, collectively, I think we're doing a good job defensively."

But the Jaguars understand how tough it is to win on the road in the RRAC.

They're hoping to start conference play on the right foot against the Steers (0-1) and Bulldogs (1-2).

"It's all about being mentally sharp, especially being on the road for six to eight hours," said graduate senior Kyleigh Spree-Kolos. "It's all about our mentality, being able to work through those challenging times, and not let that hold us back."

The Jaguars hold a 9-0 lead in the all-time series with Texas College after a 5-0 home win last year, and a 9-1-1 edge against Jarvis Christian following a 1-1 tie last year.