LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University women's soccer celebrated Senior Day with a 3-1 victory over Sul Ross State on Saturday afternoon at Dustdevil Field, highlighted by a goal and an assist from senior Arianna Arboleda.
The Dustdevils improved to 4-11 overall and 4-9 in Lone Star Conference play, while Sul Ross State fell to 2-11-3 overall and 2-9-2 in conference action.
TAMIU wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking just 1:21 into the match. Arboleda found the back of the net off an assist from Ida Kolaric, giving the Dustdevils an early 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Arboleda's first of the season.
The Dustdevils continued to pressure the Sul Ross State defense throughout the opening half, outshooting the Lobos 12-4. TAMIU registered eight shots on goal in the first 45 minutes, forcing Sul Ross State goalkeeper Kat Graves to make seven saves.
Anessa Barrera nearly doubled the lead in the 37th minute, but her attempt struck the crossbar. TAMIU maintained its one-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Sul Ross State responded in the second half, finding the equalizer in the 64th minute when Abigail Iyoke scored off an assist from Averi Culver to even the match at 1-1.
The Dustdevils answered in the 75th minute as Riley Brown scored her second goal of the season, finishing an opportunity created by Lisa Stoico to restore TAMIU's lead at 2-1.
TAMIU added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute when Tatiana Perez Lluis found the back of the net for her second goal of the season. Arboleda provided the assist, completing her three-point performance and extending the Dustdevils' advantage to 3-1.
The Dustdevils controlled the offensive statistics, finishing with a 22-10 advantage in total shots and a 14-7 edge in shots on goal.
Perez Lluis led TAMIU with four shots, including three on target, while Arboleda recorded three shots, all on goal. Stoico and Barrera each contributed three shots, with two on target.
Senior goalkeeper Maria Melendez played all 90 minutes in goal for the Dustdevils, recording six saves while allowing just one goal to secure the victory.
The afternoon's victory provided a fitting Senior Day celebration for Arboleda and Melendez, who helped lead the Dustdevils to a conference win in front of their home crowd.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Arianna Arboleda delivered a standout performance on Senior Day, recording a goal and an assist in TAMIU's 3-1 victory over Sul Ross State. The Irving, Texas, native opened the scoring just 1:21 into the match with her first goal of the season before assisting on the Dustdevils' third goal in the 83rd minute. Arboleda finished with three points and three shots on goal, helping TAMIU secure a conference victory in her final home season.
Arboleda is a senior midfielder for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science. A native of Irving, TX, Arianna is the daughter of Gisella and Edison Arboleda and was born on June 14, 2005.
