Devey and the Defense Delivers Lobo Shutout of Highlanders

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— An early Lobo goal and solid defense that didn’t allow UC Riverside to take a single shot in the first 45 minutes paved the way for a hard-fought 1-0 win to start the 2024 home schedule on Thursday night.

Presley Devey scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 11^th minute after the ball held in the Lobo offensive end, with Natalie DeGagne finding Devey in space, who went low right past the diving Highlander keeper.

For Devey, it was the third career goal for the junior and the fifth career assist and team-high third point this season for DeGagne.

UCR’s first shot of the contest didn’t occur until the 55^th minute, which resulted in consecutive blocks from the Lobos six seconds apart, with the Highlanders ultimately attempting nine in the second half, one on goal.

Brae Cole attempted to double the lead with a clean shot in the 57^th minute, however, the UCR keeper easily went to the ground to make the save, one of three Highlander saves made in the second half and fourth in the match.

A free kick by UCR in the 59^th minute just outside the left side of the 18-yard box sailed wide of the net to evade the threat and keep the Lobos in front, and minutes later, the Lobos had another chance on a corner kick taken by Sophia Roberts, who narrowly missed a diving Samantha Corrie attempting to head it in in the 63^rd minute. The Lobo opportunities continued in the 66^th minute, getting inches away from a goal as a ball shot by DeGagne deflected off a Highlander player and was inches from going over the line before she recovered and kicked it away from the goal.

Each team created chances in the final 15 minutes to either tie or extend the lead, with a free kick by UCR in the 78^th minute kicked right at Callie Droitsch for her first save of the season and Devey intercepted a pass near midfield, leading to a give-and-go with Margaux Clarke that allowed Devey to maneuver by two Highlanders to have a clear shot against the goalie, who made a kick save to keep it a one-goal game in the 87^th minute.

One final shot by UCR in the 89^th minute was off target, resulting in a Lobo goal kick, and with 50 seconds remaining, a free kick off of a foul provided one last shot for the visitors. However, the Highlanders wasted 30 seconds before the ball was struck right at Taryn Robles in the box on the restart, with DeGagne clearing the ball and Margaux Clarke making a sliding tackle to punch the ball away and out of bounds near midfield as the time ticked down. A final throw ricocheted before landing at the feet of Clarke, who kicked the ball up the field as time expired for the shutout victory.

The Lobos outshot the Highlanders 16-9 and 5-1 in shots on goal in the match, with Devey leading with two shots on goal and DeGagne leading with four total shots.

With the 1-0 result, the Lobos move to 1-1-0 on the season and 3-0-1 all-time against UCR, including two shutouts and the third one-goal match in the series. It also marked the first career shutout and first career win for Droitsch.

Up next: UNM hosts Oregon on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.