East Central Scores 11 Seconds into Game, Defeats Eastern New Mexico University, 1-0

ADA, OK - Jenny Cruz scored for East Central University just 11 seconds into the match, and the Tigers maintained their 1-0 lead the rest of the way, as ECU defeated Eastern New Mexico University in a Lone Star Conference game on Sunday, Oct. 26. East Central upped its record to 6-9-1 overall and 3-4 in the LSC. Eastern fell to 2-11, 1-6 in the LSC.

Cruz put the ball into the net off an assist from Jessie Shertzer. The Tigers earned the quick goal by taking the ball down the left wing. Shertzer's cross found Cruz, who tallied her third goal of the season.

East Central held a 29-10 edge in total shots, including 16-2 in the first half. ENMU reduced the Tigers' dominance in the second half, as ECU had 13 shots and ENMU earned 8 shots. The Tigers achieved an advantage of 16-4 in shots on goal, with Eastern goalie Carolyn Vincent (Fr., Denton, TX/Billy C. Ryan HS) making 15 saves. Melissa Carter contributed four saves in recording the shutout for East Central.

Eastern's leading scorer for the season, freshman forward Megan Dozier (Midland, TX/Midland HS) did not start due to an injury in the Zias' game at Northeastern State University on Friday (Oct. 24). Dozier entered the ECU game as a substitute and led the Zias with four shots, including two shots on goal.

Both teams had success in reaching the attacking third of the field, but couldn't replicate the success of the early shot by Cruz. East Central finished the game with 10 corner kicks. ENMU earned eight corner kicks.

The Zias will close out their inaugural season with home games on Friday, Oct. 31, against Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and on Sunday, Nov. 2, against the University of Central Oklahoma. The game against SWOSU is set for 3 p.m. (MST), with the UCO game scheduled to start at 12 noon (MST).