The Wildcats finished out their regular season on Friday night against the University of the Incarnate Word secured the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Southland Conference Tournament, which will take place later in the week in Conway, Arkansas.
The first goal of the night came in the 22nd minute, when senior Shay Johsnon scored off an assist from freshman Natalie Jones. It was Johnson’s sixth goal of the season and the seventh assist for Jones.
The next goal came quickly after, in the 29th minute, off of junior captain Christina Arteaga, for her 12th goal of the year. Her penalty kick was saved but put it back in the net when it was rebounded back to her, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 lead.
The third ACU goal came in the 53rd minute, when freshman Caylen Wright scored her seventh goal of the season.
UIW scored two goals in the 56th minute and the 74th, however the Wildcats were able to hold them off for the remainder of the match.
ACU led 21-10 in shots with 13-6 placed on the frame.
Redshirt senior Rachel Johnson added two saves, bringing her a total of 56 saves this season.
Each team had seven corner kicks.
UIW had 18 fouls, while ACU only had six.
ACU leads the all-time series 9-3-2 against UIW. The two teams have played each other every season since 2008.
The Monday following UIW’s game, the Southland Conference released its 2019 all-conference teams with ACU having eight total sections.
Shay Johnson was named Midfielder of the Year in the league, while Natalie Jones was ACU’s fourth consecutive Freshman of the Year.
Shay Johnson and Jones were on the first team, along with Arteaga and senior Michelle Mulrooney. Wright earned the second team honors, while sophomore Alyssia Anuat, senior Brooke Lenz and Rachel Johnson earned the third team.
ACU is entering the Southland Conference Tournament on a four-game winning streak, which will first take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Conway, Arkansas at 2 p.m. They will face the McNeese Cowgirls in the quarterfinals for the third consecutive season.
The Optimist was unable to receive quotes from the players or coaches following the game.
