PORTALES, NEW MEXICO – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team was unable to dig out of a 2-0 first half deficit on Friday and lost, 3-1 at Lone Star Conference rival Eastern New Mexico. (box score)

The Zias (4-6, 3-3) took advantage of a pair of corner kick opportunities in the first half.  Victoria Perez headed home the first goal off of Jackie Perez's corner kick at 31:08.  The same duo combined on another goal less than 10 minutes later to make it a 2-0 ball game.

The Cardinals (2-5, 2-3) made it a 2-1 game midway through the second half.  Jazma Latu (San Antonio/Johnson HS) scored on a rebound after Samantha Johnson's (Austin/Home School) shot was saved by Xan Ortiz at 65:35.

The Zias put the game away in the final 10 minutes.  Victoria Perez sent a through pass on the right side and Danielle Thurman slotted it in for a 3-1 lead at 80:47.

The Cardinals were the more aggressive attackers in the game, but the Zias had more success on their opportunities.  UIW fired off 20 shots with eight on goal, but Ortiz racked up seven saves.  The Zias finished with 10 shots and six on goal, but Heather Kowalik (Boerne/Champion HS) was only able to stop three of the shots.

Eastern New Mexico's Victoria Perez was the star of the game with a pair of goals and an assist.  She attempted five shots with four being on goal.

The Cardinals hope to regroup for their match on Sunday on the road against West Texas A&M at 4 p.m.
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