GOLDEN, Colorado (August 25, 2022) – Although the cooler temperature was a welcome reprieve for the Pioneers in Colorado, the Texas Woman's soccer team struggled to warm up against the Colorado School of Mines, falling to the Orediggers 4-0.
 
TWU (0-1) opened their 2022 season on the road on Thursday night against South Central Regional opponent Colorado School of Mines (1-0).
 
A light rain fell during the match and the temperature was a cool 68 degrees, a huge reprieve from the 90 and higher temperatures in Denton, Texas.
 
In the first 30 minutes of action, the Pioneers defended the speed of the Orediggers well and were able to counterattack with pace. Nevertheless, TWU was unable to score in the first half.
 
After three back-to-back shots by Colorado School of Mines, the Orediggers connected on their first goal of the match at the 31-minute mark.
 
Following the goal, the Pioneers retained a tight back line and close pressure, while trying to find space on the offensive side of the ball.
 
With just two minutes left in the half, Dylann Vollaro careened a shot just over the right post, giving the Pioneers a solid look before heading into the halftime break.
 
In the second half, TWU recorded five shots, three on goal. Vollaro had a solid strike to the center of the net at the 55-minute mark but was unable to sneak the ball past the hands of Emma Carstens, the Orediggers' keeper. Emily Turner recorded the other two shots on goal for the Pioneers in the half, hitting tough shots but just missing the net.
 
While the Pioneers had several strong attempts at finding the net tonight, it was the Orediggers who connected for the win, knotting three more goals in the second half.
 
Starting goalkeeper for the Pioneers Morgan Sherman finished the game with nine saves, a career high.
 
Turner's two shots on goal also represented a career high for the junior midfielder. Vollaro, who finished with one shot on goal, recorded a personal career high as well.

Four freshman Pioneers saw their first career starts in tonight's match: Celeste Beltran, Bri Luna, Taylor Swenson and Zayda Henderson. Sophomore Sierra McCormick also saw her first career start against Colorado School of Mines. 
 
The Pioneers remain in Colorado for their next match. They will face Regis University at 12 p.m. CST on Saturday, August 27. To livestream the game, visit https://rmacnetwork.com/regisrangers/.