BETHANY, Okla. —
Louis Bassett's big night helped the Hillcats (8-3-1, 4-2-0 GAC/MIAA) defeat Southern Nazarene (6-4-1, 3-2-1 GAC/MIAA) 3-1 on Thursday night at Wanda Rhodes Soccer Complex.
With the win, RSU improved to 14-12-2 all-time against SNU, and extended their win streak over the Crimson Storm to four games.
The Hillcats broke through in the 25th minute when Bassett (3) scored off an assist from
Oliver Hemlin to take a 1-0 lead. Earlier,
Miguel Madrigal put the Cats' first shot over the top, and
Tristan Miller kept the match scoreless with a save on Pedro Belmont's shot in the 10th minute as the Crimson Storm generated early chances. RSU kept creating after the goal, including a saved shot from Hemlin in the 31st minute and a late attacking stretch with five shots between 33:21 and 43:19, and carried the one-goal lead into the half.
RSU turned a 1-0 second-half scoreline into a 3-0 advantage with goals from Bassett (4) in the 52nd minute and Madrigal (1) in the 59th. Earlier in the half, the Hillcats created pressure with two corners and three shots in less than two minutes, including
Matthew Reed's saved attempt, before Bassett scored off
Sam Ryder's assist at 51:55. The Hillcats kept pressing after that, getting saved shots from Reed and Filizzola before Filizzola set up Madrigal's first career goal in the 59th minute. The Crimson Storm answered with more pressure, including a Miller save in the 61st minute and Wesley Rodriguez's goal at 74:27, but the Hillcats played through a physical closing stretch and finished the match with a 3-1 win.
Bassett scored twice, including the game-winner, and finished with four shots and two shots on goal. Reed led RSU with six shots and put two on frame. Madrigal chipped in goal on two shots. Miller played all 90 minutes in goal, made three saves and was credited with the win.
RSU will return to action Saturday at 1 p.m. for the homecoming game against No. 13 Fort Hays State. Join us in the UVB parking lot at 10 a.m. for the Make-A-Wish Homecoming Tailgate, featuring the Hillcat Walk.
