PORTALES, New Mexico – The No. 5-ranked Angelo State soccer team extended its winning streak to five with a victory over Eastern New Mexico on the road to seal a season sweep against the Greyhounds.
The Belles are now 11-1-1 and 5-1 in Lone Star Conference play and off to their best start in program history. The Greyhounds fell to 4-9-1 and 0-6 in LSC action.
"I'm really proud of how the girls responded to the adversity we dealt with today," ASU head coach Travis McCorkle said.
The game-winning goal came on the leg of Haley Mendel in the 39th minute. Mendel beat two defenders for the unassisted goal. Mendel shot the ball to the far post and the last defender for ENMU attempted to save it and it ricocheted into the net. Mendel attempted just two shots on the day.
ASU outshot ENMU 14-7 despite ENMU having four shots on goal to the Belles three. Sierra Anderson led the way with five shots while Demi Tsambasis recorded three. Tiffany Dang and Mendel added two shots a piece while Ashley Exford, Elizabeth Rodriguez each took one shot.
Defense has been the calling card all season and the Belles continued that effort. The Belles recorded their fifth consecutive shutout in conference play and eighth this season. Shantel Wittke recorded four saves, some of which McCorkle offered high praise for.
"I've been really pleased with the last few games from Shantel," McCorkle said. "She probably had three saves today that made the difference. She's playing really well right now."
The Belles close the road trip Sunday afternoon in Canyon, Texas to face West Texas A&M at 1 p.m. for the second time this season. The Belles won the first match 2-0.
