LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University women's soccer generated a strong second-half push but was unable to overcome a pair of early goals in a 2-0 loss to St. Mary's on Wednesday at Dustdevil Field.

The Rattlers (3-1-1, 1-0 LSC) struck just 1:19 into the match when Helen Lazaro found the back of the net to give St. Mary's an early advantage. Kamrynn Martinez doubled the lead in the 25th minute, sending the Dustdevils (0-3, 0-1 LSC) into halftime trailing 2-0.

TAMIU came out aggressively after the break and flipped the pressure in its favor. After being limited to two shots in the opening 45 minutes, the Dustdevils produced nine in the second half and finished with 11 for the match, just two fewer than St. Mary's. TAMIU also earned three of its four corner kicks after halftime.

Milly Garcia provided a spark off the bench, leading the Dustdevils with five shots, including one on goal. Ida Kolaric, Jolie Breinholt and Camila De La Cruz also placed attempts on target as TAMIU continued searching for a breakthrough.

The Dustdevils threatened throughout the second half. De La Cruz forced a save in the 62nd minute before Garcia put an attempt on frame in the 74th. TAMIU continued attacking late, recording four shots over the final 11 minutes, but could not cut into the deficit.

Maria Melendez played all 90 minutes in goal for TAMIU and finished with three saves. St. Mary's goalkeeper Molly Lyons recorded four saves to preserve the shutout.

The loss moves TAMIU to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in Lone Star Conference play.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Milly Garcia provided an offensive spark off the bench for the Dustdevils, leading TAMIU with a match-high five shots in 65 minutes of action. Garcia put one attempt on goal and remained active throughout the second half as TAMIU generated nine shots over the final 45 minutes in its push to cut into the deficit.

Garcia is a freshman forward for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Education. A native of Laredo, TX, Milly is the daughter of Rachel Carranza and Felix Garcia and was born on August 8, 2008.