RICHARDSON, Texas (September 27, 2025) – The first-ever matchup between The University of Texas Permian Basin women's soccer team and The University of Texas at Dallas saw the Comets defend their home field with a 1-0 victory.

The inaugural matchup between UTPB (2-3-1 overall, 1-3-0 Lone Star Conference) and UT Dallas (6-1-1, 3-1-0), which is embarking on its inaugural journey in NCAA Division II competition as a member of the LSC, saw the Falcons outshot 17-4 overall, including by 10 (13-3) in the second half.

It was also a 6-3 advantage on shots on goal for UTD, which additionally led 7-0 on corner kicks.

Cassandra Ramirez totaled two shots and one on goal while Trinity Vasquez and Maria Tarrago each put their lone attempt on target.

"Unfortunately, it was a similar story to what has been our Achilles heel so far this year," said Head Coach Garrett Kull. "We played a really tough and defensive game, but could not find the goal we needed. That's to be expected as we go deeper into conference because teams start to gel more and there's more film on each opponent. It's a challenge for our team and staff, but one I think we will continue to grow in through the season. This is a still a team that is figuring out its identity and that comes with time."

Valeria Delgado totaled five saves in goal and had yet to allow more than one goal in a match this season.

Coach Kull said of Delgado, "Valeria Delgado continues to be a standout in goal. She had five of her 25 saves on the season in this match and is allowing 0.67 goals a game. I think her presence and experience have been her key to guiding the back line this season. I think she's starting to make a name for herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the conference."

UTD maintained early pressure with two corner kicks within the first five minutes. UTPB was outshot 3-0 in the first 25 minutes before Gabby Thompson scored the lone goal of the match in the 32nd minute. It was only a 4-1 shot advantage for the Comets in the opening 45 minutes.

The Comets are now a perfect 3-0 at home this season. UTD is coming off an 8-7-1 record in its final year of Division III play last season, but is buoyed by the return of eight starters, including their top five leading scorers from the previous season.

"Our freshmen have also continued to perform as we had a couple go over 500 minutes already this season," concluded Coach Kull. "Sarah Williams was one of those and is a key for us in the back. She brings a different mentality to our defense when she's on the field. She's a bit of an old school center back that puts in the tough tackles and wins a lot of duels in the air."

Next up, the Falcons continue conference play on the road at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, at Lubbock Christian University.