The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team bounced back from a tie on Friday night with a 2-1 victory over visiting Texas Women's University at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium on Sunday thanks to two assists by Ashley Phipps and the finishing skills of the Hernandez sisters.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Incarnate Word (4-0-1) ripped 11 shots at TWU's net in the second half, but as time kept ticking away, the Cardinals had to keep pressing for the equalizer.
The tying goal came on a header by UIW junior midfielder Emily Hernandez, who used her head to pop a centering pass by Phipps over the Pioneer goalkeeper in the 79th minute to tie the game at 1-1. It was Hernandez's third goal of the season.
But Phipps wasn't done yet – not even a minute later she sent a low pass across the penalty area that was redirected into the back side of the TWU goal by UIW's Sarah Hernandez for the 2-0 lead with just over 10 minutes left to play.
The assists were the first and second of the year for Phipps, who came in off the bench for UIW.
The Cardinals played good defense the rest of the way and Texas Women's was unable to even put a shot on-goal the rest of the way. When time expired, Incarnate Word remained undefeated so far this season.
UIW goalkeeper Tori Puentes won her fourth game of the season, only being tested twice the entire contest. The lone goal against her just barely curved around her outstretched hands and banged in off the far side goalpost late in the first half.
The goal was scored by TWU's Grace Williams.
After the three-game homestand, the Cardinals are headed back out on the road, heading to Abilene Christian University on Friday, September 11 for a 5 p.m. game. However, UIW will be back at Benson Stadium on Sept. 13th for a 1 p.m. contest against Angelo State University.
