The slide ends for the New Mexico State women’s soccer team after they pick up a big home win against Northern Arizona University Friday afternoon, topping the Lumberjacks 3-2 and ending a four-game losing steak.

Junior forward Audriana Chavez got things started for NMSU (5-4-1), scoring the first goal of the game in the 20’ of regulation. Chavez added to an already strong 2017 campaign, with her team leading 13 points and 5 goals being key to the team’s success in a season where they matched last year’s win total with half of the season remaining.

“I think getting out to an early lead was very important. Our last four games were a little rough but getting our confidence back will allow us to do better,” Chavez said. “A lot of players are stepping up and I feel like our team is coming more and more together over the course of the season.”

Rebecca Mazzie and Adriana ‘Tuti’ Tirado would provide insurance goals in the second half, taking advantage of assists from Micaela Milavec and Devin Hart respectively and sealing the victory for the Aggies.

Neither team was able to be very aggressive in the first half, with NAU (5-3-0) actually outshooting the Aggies five to four with a single NMSU goal coming out of the first 45 minutes. Offense picked up for both squads in the second half with the Lumberjacks scoring two goals of their own, but allowing two more to NMSU’s potent attack.

NMSU was finally able to capitalize on their opportunities, something Head Coach Freddy Delgado has been emphasizing all season long.

“You might not get many chances in big games so it’s important to take advantage of them when they come,” Delgado said when addressing the importance of seizing scoring opportunities. “We wanted to make sure that we were mentally and physically ready to go and I thought we got off to a very good start. It’s always easier to adjust your game after you come in ready to play.”

The Aggies entered Friday’s contest winless in the month of September after going undefeated in their first month of the season. This win was crucial for the Aggies, keeping them near the top of the WAC standings with conference play only three games away.

“We know we have a good team and we knew it was a matter of time until we got back to our winning ways so this win feels very good,” Delgado said.

NMSU is looking to build on this momentum against Houston this Sunday at the NMSU Soccer Complex.