After dropping the first match of the season, St. Thomas has gone unbeaten since August. The near-perfect September and first week of October have been one of the best stretches of soccer the UST women's program has seen in years. On a sweltering Monday afternoon, the University of St. Thomas women's soccer team continued their terrific play, showing their depth and composure with a solid 3-0 victory over the University of the Ozarks. With an extra day's rest to prepare, UST looked ready to play from kickoff. The win improved the Celts to 6- 1- 2 on the season, and they were undefeated early in SCAC play at 2-0.

The Celts' defense continued to look strong and did not allow the visitors from Arkansas a single shot the entire match. With the ball in their opponent's half throughout the first 45 minutes, it was alarming for the home team not to capitalize and finish the half-tied 0-0.

However, UST kept its composure and finished their second-half chances. Two minutes after the break, St. Thomas struck quickly when Ashlee Stoltje scored off a low cross from the other Ashley (Pugne). Energized by the early 2nd half goal, St. Thomas kept the momentum, and in the 72nd minute, Hope Billington extended the lead with a similar strike as Stoltje's earlier goal. Teammate Emily McCoy delivered another low cross from the same spot as Pugnee, and Billington finished beautifully. The Celts found a third goal in the game's last minute when Valerie Vazquez scored unassisted.

Match Notes

· Ashlee Stoltje recorded her 2nd goal for the season.

· Hope Billington netted her 1st goal of the season.

· It was Vazquez' 2nd goal for the season.

· The Celts remain unbeaten since their opening match on August 30th.

Up Next

The Celts travel to Abilene to take on McMurry, aiming to maintain their perfect conference record. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM. Follow the Celts at www.ustcelts.com or on Instagram and X @ustwsoccer to stay updated with UST Women's Soccer.