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WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Kierra Diaz had a goal and an assist, and the Eastern New Mexico women’s soccer team got back on a winning path in Lone Star Conference play with a 2-1 win Sunday at Midwestern State.
Eastern (4-3-2, 2-2-1 LSC), coming off a 3-1 loss at nationally-ranked West Texas A&M, scored twice in a 5:16 stretch to record conference points 5-7 and move into a tie for third place with Texas Woman’s. Last season, the Greyhounds didn’t reach the seven-point mark until their eighth conference match.
Following a first half where they were held to just two shots, the Mustangs (2-6, 1-3) drew first blood in the second half when Madison Williams booted a 61-minute shot to the right post and past freshman Taylor Jackson.
The Greyhounds answered less than seven minutes later, as Diaz’ shot deflected in for the equalizer.
Diaz found Charlotte Collins-Blaize just over six minutes later, and the junior defender beat Samantha Upton from eight yards out.
The Greyhounds go back on the road Friday, facing Angelo State at 6 p.m. MDT.
Vargas top special teamer — Tyler Vargas was recognized for his foot doing triple duty Monday, with the Eastern New Mexico University kicker named Lone Star Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
The award was announced Monday via release from the league office. Vargas, a junior from San Diego, is the second Greyhound football player to receive an LSC award this season. He joins sophomore Dante Urrea, who was named top defensive player last week.
Vargas was 3-for-3 on field goals of 30, 33 and 44 yards — the longest his season-best attempt. He also had three punts for 105 total yards, and he averaged 57 yards on five kickoffs with a pair of touchbacks in ENMU’s 31-23 loss to then-No. 5 Midwestern State.
The Greyhounds return to action Saturday at Stephenville, Texas. They face No. 22 Tarleton State, their fifth-consecutive ranked opponent, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. MDT.