SAN ANTONIO - Rangers came into this match looking to win their second straight. However, the Rattlers would escape the match with a 2-1 win. 

"So obviously disappointed not to walk away with any result from the match," head coach Erik Solberg stated, "thought we were the better team throughout had the run of play and more chances in the game but give St. Mary's credit they had three shots on goal and scored on two of them. 
 

Northwestern tried to get a head early by getting the first three shots of the game in the first 12 minutes. They would not allow their first shot against until the 18th minute mark. 

"Obviously they made us pay for our mistakes and punished us for poor execution. The score doesn't say it all competed well. Really felt like we had moments in the game to give us chances to win but ultimately didn't play well enough to win and they punished us for mistakes."

Rangers would find the back of the net first on a goal by freshman forward Whitney Blanchard (3) at the 30:59 minute mark. St. Mary's (Texas) would respond quickly evening the score 1-1 during the 31:41 mark. 

Defense would take over as not one shot was taken by either team in the final 13 minutes before the half. This would mean going into halftime that score read 1-1.

Both teams would get off to a slow start with the first shot not happening until 12 minutes into the second half. 

The Rattlers would score the final goal of the game at the 79:48 mark. 

Rangers would out shoot the Rattlers 12-5 including 7-3 shots on goal for the match. There were five different players with two shots. Again giving Northwestern a well-balanced attack offensively. 

This win improves St. Mary's record to (2-3) while dropping NWOSU to (2-3) as well. 

"Feel like it will help us for Saturday with some confidence especially as we walk into conference play a moment we can learn and grow from" Solberg on how to learn from this game. The good news is this loss doesn't come from a conference team. Have to learn from our mistakes, learn to overcome them don't know if we responded well to adversity tonight. When you give a good team chances to beat you they are going to. That's the learning point right now we will regroup and get ready for the rest of the season. 

Northwestern will look to bounce back on Saturday, Sept. 21 as they finish non-conference play against Texas A&M International University. Conference play will start on the road Friday, September 27 vs Southwestern Oklahoma State.