The Wildcats got the ball rolling at Elmer Gray Stadium for the first time this season and defeated the University of Texas at El Paso 1-0 in a double overtime thriller.

Due to a strong defensive presence for both teams, the score remained at zero a piece up until the 102nd minute when sophomore midfielder/forward Christina Arteaga scored the winning goal.

Arteaga said she was feeding off the support of the home opening crowd.

“It was an amazing feeling for sure, the crowd had so much energy that definitely helped push me when things were starting to get tough which ultimately led to that second overtime goal,” Arteaga said.

Arteaga’s first goal of the season was also the team’s first of the campaign as well.

Both goalies saw eight shots on goal from their opponents in the match, but UTEP senior goalkeeper Alyssa Palacios let the last one slip into net. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Rachel Johnson proved to be a brick wall, picking up her first win and shutout of the season.

Johnson said she was pleased with the effort her team put forth in the shutout victory.

“I felt our team worked very well last night and I am very proud of every single person both on and off the field,” Johnson said. “We’re a family and we’re growing everyday to learn how each other plays. We all have hearts that are more than willing to sacrifice for each person next to us everyday even in practices so we can perform well in games together.”

With the victory, the Wildcats improve to 1-1 on the young season after dropping its first game to 15th ranked Baylor, and UTEP now falls to 1-1 after the loss.

ACU will remain in Abilene this Friday to next take on the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at 7 p.m.