ELLENSBURG, WA — The Saints Women's Soccer team (1-6, 1-1 GNAC) headed east to Ellensburg last Saturday (September 28) seeking their first victory of the season against Central Washington. From the opening whistle, the Saints came out strong, relentlessly pressing the Wildcats and displaying solid teamwork as they worked the ball up the field in search of an early goal.

Their persistence would pay off in the 27th minute, when Ravyn Mummey, showing great vision, threaded a pinpoint pass to Inara Lopes De Andrade. With poise and precision, Lopes De Andrade shot the ball into the back of the net, putting the Saints on top 1-0.

Throughout the match, midfielders Nora Melcher and Brianna Yamada kept the momentum going with sharp, connecting passes and gritty defense, setting the tone for the entire team. On the back line, star defenders Payton Aselton and Keilee Silva were an iron wall for the Saints, each playing the full 90 minutes and shutting down Central's attempts to equalize. Aselton's defensive performance would be highlighted by deflecting a CWU shot-on-goal with an impressive header to seal the victory for Saint Martin's in the final minutes of the game.

The Saints' hard-fought 1-0 victory would mark their first win of the season. It was a game defined by teamwork, grit, and standout performances across the pitch. SMU will hit the road and head to Bellingham for their next contest against Western Washington on Thursday, October 3.