LAS VEGAS, N.M. –Sierra Anderson netted her first goal of the season in the 73^rd minute to propel the Angelo State soccer team to a 1-0 victory over New Mexico Highlands at Perkins Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Belles (1-0-1) recorded their first shutout of the season in the win. The Cowgirls (1-1) had 12 shots including 10 in the second half with nine being on goal.

"It was a gritty performance on the road in a hostile environment," ASU head soccer coach Travis McCorkle said. "We still have some issues with the artificial turf with our next two on artificial turf and our passing the attacking third to fix. Ashley Exford has been a standout these first two games and we expect that from her. I also thought Molly Warren had her best game so far as a Belle. There were other good performers as well and that team dynamic and trust grew today."

Exford has started both games for the Belles while Warren picked up her first start of the season. The duo helped slow down a NHMU offense that created seven corner kicks.
Natalie Nielsen and Shantel Wittke combined to hold New Mexico off the board with Nielsen making two saves and Wittke one.

"I thought Natalie Nielsen was very good and when Shantel came in she added a couple of very good saves as well," McCorkle said.
Anderson's goal is the first of the season for the senior. She has moved into a tie for fifth with 25 career goals and extends her ASU career record to 14 game winners.

"It was a clutch goal from Sierra," McCorkle said. "New Mexico Highlands has a very good keeper and Sierra was able to find a way to score."

The Belles continued to spread the shot selection around with eight players recording at least one shot and taking 12 as a team. Demi Tsambasis, Loni Byers, Anderson and Selena Alvarez each took two shots each.

ASU will head back to Colorado for matches with Fort Lewis on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. and Colorado Mesa on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 12 p.m. in Grand Junction, Colo.