ODESSA, TEXAS – UT Tyler women's soccer opened Lone Star Conference play on the right foot Wednesday evening, earning a 1-0 road victory over UT Permian Basin behind a second-half strike from junior forward Taylor Thibodeau. The win keeps the Patriots unbeaten to begin the 2025 season as they start conference play 1-0.

The opening 45 minutes were a tightly contested battle as both sides looked to establish momentum. UT Tyler generated three quality shots in the first half, all of which were on goal, but UTPB's defense held strong to send the match into halftime scoreless.

The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Thibodeau capitalized on her lone shot of the match, finishing her first goal of the season to give the Patriots the breakthrough. That strike would prove to be all UT Tyler needed, as the defense held firm over the final 20 minutes to preserve the lead.

On the defensive end, the Patriots were organized and efficient, limiting the Falcons to just six shots with only two on target. Junior goalkeeper Robbi Curry stopped both attempts to secure a shutout in her first start of the season. With another clean sheet, UT Tyler has now allowed only two goals across its first four matches while recording two shutouts.

Offensively, the Patriots finished with 12 total shots, including seven on frame. Thibodeau's tally stood as the difference, as UT Tyler managed the final stages of the match and improved its road record to 3-0 on the year.

With the victory, the Patriots improve to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in Lone Star Conference play. They return home this weekend to host Texas A&M International on Saturday evening at Citizens 1st Bank–Perkins Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.