DENTON, Texas (Oct. 29, 2016) – Gaby Larson scored the game-winning goal against Angelo State by heading in a free kick on the right side from Aryana Maricle-Conroy in the 16^th minute to defeat the Belles 1-0 Friday night on TWU Soccer Field.
 
Larson's goal was her second on the season while Maricle-Conroy's assist was recorded as her first point as a Pioneer. TWU (9-7-1, 5-6 LSC) sent off 12 shots compared to 14 by ASU (10-6-1, 6-5 LSC). The contest's two corner kicks were both taken by the Pioneers, while Samantha Jimenez notched her eighth shutout of the year with seven saves.
 
The Belles nearly countered a minute after Larson's goal, but a diving save by Jimenez kept the Pioneer advantage. Rachel Peters got a good look at the goal in the 23^rd minute, but ASU's keeper scampered out of the box to prevent another TWU score. Jimenez came up with another big save on a two-handed block in the 33^rd minute to help send the Pioneers into halftime with the 1-0 edge.
 
Brittany Jones opened the second period by firing a ground ball towards the net, but the ball was met by the goalie. Jimenez stopped another attempt by the Belles with a diving save in the 52^nd minute, and protected the goal and the win with a stop with six minutes remaining.
 
With one game left in the regular season, the Pioneers sit in the fifth spot in the Lone Star Conference. Within the seven-team league, TWU now trails ASU by one game and holds a three-game advantage over sixth-place Eastern New Mexico. The conference tournament begins next Thursday at the highest seed.
 
The Pioneers wrap up the regular season Sunday at 2 p.m. on TWU Soccer Field where the team's five seniors - Alisa Velasquez, Nancy Chavez, Rachel Peters, Gaby Larson and Bobbie Gutierrez - will be honored in a pregame ceremony. Also, at halftime, a Halloween costume contest will be held with prizes being awarded to several age groups.