Blinn shuts out Angelina in Region 14 defensive battle

The victory improved the Buccaneers to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in Region 14 play.

"All week, we talked about showing up, taking accountability, and competing for one another," Blinn head coach Alexandria Jackson said. "Tonight, I got to watch my heroes do exactly that. This was a chance for us to be in control of our destiny by getting the result, and the manner in which we competed and executed was the brand of soccer we are working to represent. The passion, commitment, and belief shown in each other was special to watch."

Following a scoreless first half, Blinn immediately applied pressure in the opening minutes of the second half, pushing into Angelina's defensive third.

The pressure created an opportunity for freshman forward Chelsea Mentado. After sophomore midfielder Chloey Mejia played the ball to fellow sophomore midfielder Saya Shiratsuki, Mentado gathered a short pass from Shiratsuki, moved to her right and, from about 15 yards out, looped a shot over the outstretched arm of the Angelina goalkeeper and into the net.

The goal in the 47th minute was Mentado's seventh in seven matches this season.

"Chelsea has been brilliant for us all season in front of the goal, and she continues to find ways to make an impact for this team," Jackson said.

The lone tally was more than enough for the Bucs, who limited the Roadrunners to just four shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Haidlyn Hawkins made her first appearance and start of the season and collected all three of Angelina's shots on goal for three saves.

"Having Haidlyn back in net is also a huge bonus for us moving forward, and it was great to see her back competing with us," Jackson added.

Blinn finished with 12 shots, including four on goal, and four corner kicks.

Up next, Blinn hits the road for a Region 14 makeup match against No. 7 Navarro College at 10 a.m. Sunday in Corsicana, Texas.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 53 national championships since 1987.