The University of Arizona women’s soccer team took on Baylor University in the Big 12 Soccer Championship on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 12:30 p.m. The Wildcats devastatingly fell 2-1 in the first round of the tournament, making it their final game of the season. Arizona completed the season with a record of 11-6-2 and 6-4-1 in the Big 12.
Coming off a thrilling 1-0 regular season win against ASU; the Big 12 Freshman of the Week achievement was awarded to Narissa Fults. Fults scored her first game-winning goal against the Sun Devils in 68 minutes of play. Additionally, Gianna Christiansen, Nicole Dallin and Aranda Hurge were named to the All-Big 12 second team, as the Wildcats were stacked coming into this tournament.
Baylor came out strong, quickly scoring a goal in the ninth minute of the game to put the first points on the board. The first half remained a tight matchup, but the Wildcats would not back down. Christiansen tied the game 1-1 for Arizona 23 minutes in. The two programs were aggressive on both sides of the field, with hopes to win the first match of the tournament.
Going into the half the score was 1-1.
Early in the second half, multiple fouls were granted to both teams with six being given to Arizona and three to Baylor. The Bears scored another goal in the 75th minute, claiming the 2-1 lead. In the latter half of the match, Hurge suffered a red card causing her to be ejected from the game. The Wildcats fought to make a comeback but ultimately could not beat Baylor’s intensity.
The Wildcats lost the match 2-1, falling in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament. Arizona had an impressive first season in the Big 12, taking on new opponents in new stadiums. The Wildcats met their expectations as newcomers to the conference as they prepare for next season.
