LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV women's soccer (5-9-5, 3-3-5) scored three unanswered goals on Senior Night en route to a 3-1 win over in-state rival UNR (3-12-2, 2-8-1) Thursday at Peter Johann Memorial Field. The victory helped the Rebels wrap up the regular season on a four-match unbeaten streak and secured three points in the Silver State Series presented by IBEW and Nevada Donor Network.
The Rebels' season-high three goals came in response to a Wolf Pack score in the 25th minute. Freshman
Mallie Ramirez struck first for the Scarlet & Gray in the 30th minute, scoring the equalizer on a nifty turnaround toward the middle of the box to beat three UNR defenders. After senior
Mimi Mendoza drew a penalty, senior captain
Taylie Liddell buried the go-ahead goal on the ensuing penalty kick 25 seconds before halftime. Closing out the scoring, freshman
Savannah Nichols finished a cross from the right side sent in by her Rebel counterpart
Cadence Whitley in the 55th minute.
In addition to their highest scoring output on the year, UNLV recorded a season high in shots on the way to a 26-12 advantage in that department.
Anchoring the Rebel defense, sophomore goalkeeper
Riley Liebsack made five saves in 90 minutes for the win. It marked the 10th time she finished with at least five saves during the season.
QUOTABLE: "When I look at the season as a whole, I think we had a lot of growth. I think our seniors left such an impact, and the number one thing they are leaving us with is how to compete. We went down a goal, which was a bit of a gut punch. We battled back and stayed calm and composed. And we had countless other opportunities in front of the goal, which really encourages us for next fall."
- UNLV Head Coach Jenny Ruiz-Williams
News & Notes:
Along with their four-match unbeaten streak, the Rebels conclude the 2022 campaign unbeaten in six of their last seven games.
Nichols' and Ramirez's goals gave them a team-high-tying three scores for the season. Additionally, Nichols ends the year on a four-game point streak, adding all three goals and an assist during that span.
Meanwhile, Liddell converted the fourth successful penalty kick attempt of her career and her third career game-winning goal.
