ENMU soccer teams take home openers

The Eastern New Mexico University soccer teams are both home today. But they were road warriors Thursday with both the men and women winning key contests.

In Grand Junction, Colorado, the men’s team scored its third win over a ranked opponent in program history with a 2-0 win over Colorado Mesa. Over in Ada, Oklahoma, the women’s team took a 1-0 win to take their first season opener since the 2006 season.

Junior midfielder Lucas Vaz led the way for the men’s team, with a hand in both Greyhound goals.

In the 11th minute, Vaz connected with senior Julian Trapp, whose hard shot was blocked by the Maverick defense but still trickled into the net.

Midway through the second-half, Vaz lofted a shot from 30 yards out over the Colorado Mesa keeper.

Junior keeper Ross Dalton didn’t need any more help, stopping six shots — including a stop on a first-half breakaway by Lawan Abury.

The Greyhounds will go for their second-straight win over a ranked opponent Sunday, with No. 3 Fort Hays State coming for a 1 p.m. affair.

For the women, the third opening-day win in program history came about half an hour after Kierra Diaz pushed through the game’s lone score on the Caitlyn Schmidt assist.

Junior Whitney Dockweiler was solid in her debut at goal, stopping four Tiger shots on goal. The Greyhounds outshot East Central 21-9 overall, with Desiree Morgas posting seven shots to lead Eastern.

The ENMU women are in an exhibition situation today, facing Division I Abilene Christian in an 11 a.m. matchup.