Dallas Baptist University Athletics

THE RUNDOWN
The No. 1-ranked DBU Patriots captured the Lone Star Conference Championship with a 1-0 victory over UT Dallas on Sunday at Patriot Soccer Field. Riley Olsen's goal in the 46th minute proved to be the difference, securing the fifth LSC title in program history.

The opening 45 minutes featured a defensive battle, with DBU holding a 12-3 advantage in shots. However, the Comets put both of their shots on target, forcing Patriots goalkeeper Josie Juvera into action. Juvera came up with a pair of saves in the final six minutes of the half to keep the match scoreless heading into the break.

DBU wasted little time breaking through after halftime. Just one minute into the second half, Kenzi Tufts delivered a long pass from just inside the midfield stripe to Leah Hurley, who flicked a quick header into the path of Olsen. The sophomore forward took one-touch and lifted a right-footed shot over the outstretched hands of UT Dallas goalkeeper Melyna Martinez to give the Patriots a 1-0 lead.

From there, DBU's defense took control, limiting the Comets to just four shots over the remainder of the match. With just over seven minutes remaining, Juvera delivered another pivotal moment, making a save in front of goal following a UTD corner kick to preserve the Patriots' one-goal advantage. DBU's defense held firm the rest of the way, sealing the victory and handing the Patriots their fifth LSC Tournament title.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- DBU has captured both the LSC regular-season and tournament championships in each of the past two seasons, marking the fifth time in program history the Patriots have accomplished the feat.
- Riley Olsen was named the LSC Tournament Most Valuable Player after delivering the game-winning goal in the championship match.
- The Patriots posted back-to-back shutouts in the LSC Tournament, allowing no goals in wins over UT Tyler and UT Dallas.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
3 - Riley Olsen has scored the game-winning goal in each of DBU's last three matches.
14 - DBU registered its 14th shutout of the season.
20 - The Patriots held a 20-7 advantage in shots against UT Dallas.

LSC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM SELECTIONS
Riley Olsen (MVP)
Sydney Hopper
Leah Hurley
Hannah Montoya
Kenzi Tufts
 
DBU POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
 

UP NEXT
DBU will turn its attention to Monday's NCAA Division II Selection Show, where the Patriots will learn the  South Central Regional's six-team field. 

  Read Full Article