Final Box | Photo Gallery

WICHITA FALLS – The Angelo State soccer team won its first postseason contest in program history with a 2-0 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce Thursday at the MSU Soccer Field in Wichita Falls. Melanie Peterson collected her ninth shutout of the season for the Rambelles setting a new ASU single season record.

The 'Belles (13-5-1, 9-2) faced a strong headwind for the first 45 minutes of play. ASU was backpedaling for the first 10 minutes as Texas A&M-Commerce (8-7-3, 4-4-3) pushed offensively and had five quick corner kicks during the span. On the first corner, 'Belles keeper Peterson made a diving save to the right, flicking the ball above the cross bar. The ASU defense absorbed the Lions offensive surge with a bend-not-break mentality and eventually got its own shots on goal.

In the 32nd minute, Angelo State had a free kick from 30-yards out and Megan Schaffer lifted a ball toward the front of the net. The Commerce keeper went up for it, but collided with one of her own players. The ball fell to the front of senior Ashley Brown's foot and she kicked it to the back of the net. The Harlan, Iowa product how has seven goals this season and gave ASU a 1-0 lead entering halftime.

“Ashley's goal was critical for us,” said third-year head coach Travis McCorkle. “Mentally it made all the difference in the world and we said to ourselves, 'Okay, we're going to be okay in this match.' Ashley's goal really lifted our spirits and made them feel like we could win this game.”

The second half was a game of possession and ball control for the 'Belles. ASU went with the wind in the final half and kept the ball in the Lions backfield. The Rambelles outshot Texas A&M-Commerce 10-1 in the second half and had a 14-8 advantage for the game. Their pursuit paid off in the 89th minute when Brandie DeBacker chipped in an insurance goal to secure the victory.

Angelo State has a 5 p.m., match up on Friday with No. 2 Abilene Christian at the MSU Soccer Field in Wichita Falls. In their prior meeting this fall, ASU

AngeloSports.com: Your online source for Angelo State Athletics news, multimedia, photos and more.