DENTON, Texas (Sept. 23, 2016) – A goal by Texas Woman's University's Chelsea Martin with two minutes remaining cut the lead of West Texas A&M to one, but the Pioneers were unable to connect again in a 2-1 loss to the Lady Buffs in the Lone Star Conference opener Friday night at TWU Soccer Field.
 
Martin's first attempt eight minutes into the contest skimmed off of goalkeeper Courtney Dippel's hands, and minutes later a corner kick by WT (3-2, 1-0 LSC) was kicked around near the goal before Pressley Bailey kicked it out to keep the game scoreless.
 
In the 16^th minute, WT's Khadidra Debesette struck first on a header from a cross and followed up with another goal on a rebound off of her own shot to put the Buffs up 2-0 nine minutes later. Alisa Velasquez attempted the final shot of the first half but was denied by Dippel.
 
Lauren Neely sent a long kick towards the net but was blocked five minutes into the second half, and a shot by Gaby Larson was stopped by a diving save to render the Pioneers (4-2, 0-1 LSC) scoreless. Rachel Peters sent a pass to Maddi Nolton, but it just missed wide in the 69^th minute.
 
Martin's success was found in the 88^th minute on an impressive shot to the left-hand corner to give TWU hope with 82 seconds remaining. The Lady Buffs recorded two yellow cards within the final minute, but the Pioneers were unable to connect once more to end the contest.
 
The goal by Martin was her fourth on the season for her to remain the team leader, and keeper Samantha Jimenez tallied five saves.
 
The Pioneers host Eastern New Mexico Sunday at 2 p.m. followed by a free youth clinic at TWU Soccer Field.