DENTON, Texas (Oct. 26) – The TWU soccer team defeated visiting West Texas A&M, 2-1, on Senior Day at TWU Soccer Field.  With the win the Pioneers improved to 9-5-2 on the season and 4-3-1 in the Lone Star Conference.
 
The win also tied the TWU school record for most wins in a season.  The 2008 and 2014 teams also won nine games.
 
The five outgoing members of the 2015 Pioneers' team – Ariana Morrison, Madison Purdy, Natalia Diaz, Ryleigh Spivey and Kayla Gorney – were honored with a pregame Senior Day ceremony.
 
The Pioneers got on the scoreboard first when Diaz scored her sixth goal of the season in the 11th minute.  She took a pass from sophomore Chelsea Martin at the top right corner of the box and beat the diving goalie to the left corner of the net.
 
The Lady Buffs responded in the 20th minute to even the score.  WT's Lucy Chalgren found a rebound in front of the net off Khadidra Debesette's shot and scored her first goal of the season.
 
The Pioneers regrouped at the half and scored the game-winner in the 69th minute.  Sophomore Rachel Peters scored her third goal of the season to give TWU a 2-1 lead.  She took a cross at the far post from junior Nancy Chavez and kicked the ball into the net off WT defender's legs.
 
"The girls started off on fire and the first 10-15 minutes they played like they had something to prove," said TWU head coach Babak Abouzar.  "We scored an early goal but unfortunately we let them back in.  We adjusted some things at the half and the girls grinded out a win.  Our grounds crew did a great job getting this field ready for us to play today."
 
The Pioneers had a slight advantage in shots, 14-12, while WTAMU had advantage in shots on goal, 7-6.  Both teams finished with five corner kicks.
 
Morrison played all 90 minutes in the net and made six saves for the win.  Peters led the Pioneers with four shots.
 
TWU will now hit the road to face Angelo State on Friday, Oct. 30.  The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at ASU Soccer Field.