The UNI women’s soccer team headed west to Colorado this last weekend, competing against the University of Wyoming Cowgirls as well as the Colorado State University Rams.

In the first game of the two for the Panthers, the Wyoming Cowgirls put together quite the first half, tallying 12 shots on goal as compared to just four by the Panthers. While a high amount of shots on goal were attempted, none reached the back of the net for either squad.

Following the first half, defense remained the story for both teams. In total for the second half, the Panthers put six shots on goal, to the Cowgirls five. In the following two overtimes, four total kicks were attempted for Wyoming as opposed to just one for UNI.

Due to the lack of scoring, the game ended in a 0-0 draw between the two teams. For the Panthers, Kelsey Yarrow and Hannah McDevitt led for shots with three. Goalie Jami Reichenberger recorded nine saves.

In the following game against the Rams, victory finally came to the previously winless Panthers.

Freshman Sophia Conant netted her first collegiate goal in the 87th minute to secure the win. Conant was the only player for the Panthers who had more than one shot (2).

Although the Panthers left the field with the victory, it did not come easily. The Rams put together 16 total shots, as opposed to six shots for UNI. Reichenberger finished with six total saves to stave off Colorado State’s attack.

Up next, the Panthers make a return to Iowa in matchups with Virginia Commonwealth University as well as Central Michigan in Iowa City. The Panthers will face VCU first, on Friday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. Following their match with VCU, UNI will be matched with Central Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m.