BLINN WOMEN PLAY #6 TYLER TO 1-1 DRAW
Story by Joe Alberico, Blinn College Sports Information
The Blinn College women’s soccer team produced one of the most historic results in program history Thursday at Rankin Field in Brenham, Texas.
The Buccaneers earned a 1-1 draw with sixth-ranked Tyler Junior College, giving Blinn its first-ever result point against its Region 14 rival and one of the top programs in NJCAA women’s soccer.
“That was a historic point tonight against Tyler, one where we went toe-to-toe with one of the toughest teams at our level,” Blinn head coach Alexandria Jackson said. “Our goalkeeper and backline were absolutely lights out and set the tone for the fight this team showed. They showed grit in the face of adversity, and I am so proud of this group.”
The Bucs moved to 1-0-1 overall and 0-0-1 in region play.
The draw was especially significant for Blinn as it further demonstrated the progress the program has made since its launch in 2018. Heading into Thursday’s matchup, the Bucs were 0-11 against the Apaches with two results decided by one goal.
Blinn came out of the gate ready to change the narrative, as the Bucs struck first in just the fifth minute of play.
Sophomore midfielder Rebecca Madrid fended off a Tyler defender near the right corner of the box and pushed the ball to the middle. Freshman midfielder Chloey Mejia gathered and quickly split two defenders with a slick pass to sophomore midfielder Marguerite Funk at the top of the box.
Funk out-ran two Apache defenders and beat the goalkeeper 1-on-1 with a bouncing shot into the back of the net for the lead.
The score would remain 1-0 late until late in the match.
Bucs freshman keeper Haidlyn Hawkins put forth an outstanding effort for her team as she endured a barrage of Tyler offense (28 shots) while making a robust 24 saves.
The one goal Hawkins allowed came via a deflection off her hands in the 85th minute.
Blinn finished with four shots.
Up next, the Bucs host region foe Jacksonville College at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Rankin Field.