TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler women's soccer team battled through another competitive Lone Star Conference contest on Wednesday night, playing to a 1–1 draw with St. Mary's at the Citizens First Bank–Perkins Soccer Complex. Both goals came early in the second half, and despite a strong attacking push from the Patriots, the score remained level through the final whistle.
The first half was defined by solid defensive organization from both sides. The Patriots generated a handful of early looks, forcing the St. Mary's back line to stay compact, while goalkeeper Robbi Curry came up with key stops to keep the match scoreless. UT Tyler finished the half with three shots and a corner kick, while the Rattlers managed four attempts of their own as neither team could find the finishing touch.
The pace picked up immediately after the break, and UT Tyler capitalized first. In the 58th minute, Ella Anderson broke through with a composed finish inside the box, assisted by Melissa Oliveira and Arianna Johnson. The goal marked Anderson's latest contribution in what has been a productive stretch for the Patriots' offense.
The lead was short-lived, however, as St. Mary's found the equalizer just three minutes later. The Rattlers converted in the 61st minute to make it 1–1, and the tightly contested match continued from there with both sides trading attacking spells.
UT Tyler pushed hard for a go-ahead goal in the closing stages, controlling much of the possession and pace. The Patriots outshot the Rattlers 14–11, including nine shots on target to St. Mary's six, and earned eight corner kicks compared to two for the visitors. Both sides goalkeepers came up big on the night, while Curry and Emily Clark combined for five stops to anchor the Patriot defense.
Anderson led the attack with her goal and consistent presence in the midfield, while Oliveira and Johnson continued to spark chances along the field. Defensively, UT Tyler's back line held strong under late pressure, limiting St. Mary's final minute efforts. As Gabrielle Wiebe, Samantha White, and Savanna Clark played every second of the match.
With the draw, UT Tyler moves to 9–2–3 overall and 6–2–3 in Lone Star Conference play. The Patriots remain inside the top five of the conference standings as they turn their attention to another key conference matchup this weekend on the road when they take on Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas.
