CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — A&M-Corpus Christi weathered a second-half surge from UIW to secure a 2-1 victory Thursday night, snapping a winless streak and keeping its NCAA Tournament hopes alive. The Islanders struck early and often in the first half before holding firm as the visiting Cardinals mounted a desperate comeback attempt. The win improves A&M-Corpus Christi to 5-8-5 on the season.
Morgan Westbury opened the scoring in the 34th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage. Emma Lucero doubled the lead just past the half-hour mark with an assist from Ashley Wilson, putting A&M-Corpus Christi in complete control. UIW's Taylor Kish finally broke through in the 63rd minute with help from Sinead Duffy, cutting the deficit in half and sparking hope for an unlikely comeback. Despite sustained pressure down the stretch, the Cardinals couldn't find the equalizer.
The first half belonged entirely to A&M-Corpus Christi. The Islanders controlled possession and created multiple scoring opportunities while UIW struggled to establish any rhythm in the attacking third. Westbury's early goal set the tone, and Lucero's finish just minutes later gave the hosts a commanding two-goal cushion heading into the break. UIW managed just four shots on goal through 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Hannah Alexander making two saves to preserve the lead.
Everything changed after halftime. UIW came out with renewed intensity, pressing higher and forcing A&M-Corpus Christi into defensive positions. The Cardinals generated consistent chances and finally converted when Kish capitalized on a loose ball in the box. Suddenly, the match became competitive again, and the visitors sensed an opportunity. Multiple UIW players tested the Islanders' backline over the final 25 minutes, but A&M-Corpus Christi's defense held firm when it mattered most.
The statistics tell a story of two distinct halves. UIW outshot A&M-Corpus Christi 20-12 overall and earned three corner kicks to the Islanders' two. The Cardinals also forced three saves compared to two for the home side. Yet A&M-Corpus Christi's efficiency in front of goal—converting two of four shots on target—proved the difference. Tyler Coker picked up a yellow card late for UIW in an unsporting conduct incident, but it didn't derail their push for an equalizer.
Westbury and Lucero were the standouts for A&M-Corpus Christi, combining for both goals and controlling the tempo early. Kish's late strike kept UIW's hopes alive and showcased the Cardinals' resilience, though it ultimately fell short. The Islanders' defense, particularly in the final 15 minutes, made crucial blocks and clearances to preserve the result.
The victory marks A&M-Corpus Christi's first win in three matches after draws against McNeese and earlier struggles. UIW, meanwhile, drops to 4-8-4 following losses in three of their last four outings. For a team fighting for tournament positioning, A&M-Corpus Christi's ability to close out a match against a desperate opponent could prove valuable down the stretch.
A&M-Corpus Christi returns to action next week looking to build on this momentum, while UIW will aim to bounce back quickly and get back in the win column. Both teams know the regular season is winding down, making every result increasingly significant in the postseason picture.