Artley provides breakthrough as Jags draw with Nelson

The Texas A&M University-Victoria women's soccer team looked strong for most of Friday's contest.

Still, the Jaguars found themselves trailing, 1-0, to Nelson University at The Cage. That was until junior midfielder Belle Artley delivered the program's first goal as A&M-Victoria in the 86^th minute to salvage a 1-1 draw with the Lady Lions.

The Jaguars (0-1-1) conceded on a goal by Damaris Solis in the 70^th minute before equalizing. The draw snapped a four-game losing streak which

"I absolutely love how we committed to taking what we've been doing in practice and putting it on the field," said head coach Kimberly Uetrecht. "We wanted to go first today and have a great performance as the first team to wear A&M-Victoria. I think we absolutely did that."

Artley, an Amarillo native, came on in the 22^nd minute and played the remaining 68 minutes without coming off, helping provide a strong presence in the midfield.

This was the Seward County Community College transfer's third career goal in the collegiate ranks.

"It feels good to score the first goal," Artley said. "We all worked hard to get this point. So, it just feels good."

The Jaguars managed seven shots in Friday's contest with Ayloni Garcia leading the way with two in 84 minutes against Nelson (2-0-2). Siobhan Scott, Rosa Reyes and Kaitlyn McCarty also had shots for the Jaguars.

It was junior goalkeeper Jamie Noriega shining in the back, making a season-high five saves and commanding the back. Through two games, the Trinity Valley Community College transfer has made eight saves.

"We asked Jamie to be aggressive off her line today," Uetrecht said. "She definitely delivered."

The Jaguars hit the road for their first away game of the year at NCAA Division III foe McMurry University in Abilene at 11 a.m. on Sunday.