UTSA remains undefeated with decisive win over St. Mary’s

SAN ANTONIO — UTSA soccer flexed its depth in its 4-1 victory over St. Mary’s University on Sunday at Park West Athletics Complex. 

The Roadrunners’ (2-0-2) offensive attack continued rolling against the crosstown Rattlers, notching their 10th goal in their fourth contest. Prior to the season, coach Derek Pittman hinted at an improved offensive ability stemming from offseason additions, and those additions proved vital on Sunday. After redshirt sophomore Ava Jackson gave UTSA an early lead, St. Mary’s quickly equalized. UTSA sealed the win with three unanswered goals from three newcomers.

“Really happy with where our kids are at,” Pittman said. “We really challenged them this week in regards to what we needed to go out and accomplish tonight. I really challenged them and said, ‘Listen, our biggest issue has been seeing out the end of games and not giving up late chances, or not being penned in, like how Colorado College did to us the other night in the last 15 minutes. We need to get our butts up there and stay on the attack.’ 

“I thought we did a good job of that. So, yeah, I was proud of how our players responded.” 

For the second straight match, redshirt sophomore forward Ava Jackson opened the scoring for the Roadrunners. Sophomore forward Brooklyn Bailey connected with sophomore midfielder Leah Varela at midfield as Varela drove down the right side of the pitch. Varela dished out wide to Jackson, who stutter-stepped before driving a shot that was deflected before rolling into the net. Jackson’s goal is her third in the past three games. 

“Honestly, the first two [were] just being in the right place at the right time,” Jackson said. “Then, this game, [I was] just trusting myself and taking those opportunities when I can.”

Just before halftime, the Roadrunners pulled ahead with a goal from freshman defender Lilli Denhardt.

In the 39th minute, freshman midfielder Amelia Clark and sophomore midfielder Caroline Pelkofski exchanged possession as the Roadrunners’ frontline began pressing towards the Rattlers’ goal. As St. Mary’s defenders surrounded Pelkofski, she found Denhardt, who snuck the score just past Rattlers goalkeeper Molly Lyons. 

“Oh, it was awesome,” Denhardt said of her first collegiate goal. “I’ve been waiting for that moment. I’ve been talking to my teammates about what [celebration] I’m going to hit when I do it. So, I’ve been dreaming about that. To be honest, I think I blacked out a little bit.” 

Clark picked up a goal of her own in the 48th minute as the Austin, Texas native buried her score from the penalty arc, giving the Roadrunners a firm lead. In the final 10 minutes, the Roadrunners remained on the front foot, and redshirt freshman forward Dulci Binns headed in UTSA’s fourth score of the night. The score served as Binns’ second of the season. 

The Roadrunners outshot St. Mary’s 15-4 and held a 5-2 shot-on-goal advantage. Binns paced UTSA in shots with three, while Varela led the way with two assists. 

UTSA will next host Texas Southern University at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Park West Athletics Complex.