THE RECAP
The St. Mary's Rattlers earned a massive round-one win over UT-Tyler in the Lone Star Conference Tournament, 3-1. The Rattlers scored twice in the second half to roll towards the third consecutive post season matchup against Midwestern State, the top seed in the Lone Star Conference.
The Rattlers drove towards an impressive victory behind a trio of scores. In the first half, Alonso Rodriguez received a beautiful cross from Sebastian Rivera and put it in the back of the net to start the scoring. St. Mary's took the advantage into the break and promptly extended the lead. After a Patriot fouls gave Erwin Regules a free kick from just outside the box, the fifth year senior buried the ball in the top left corner of the net to make it 2-0.
UT-Tyler didn't quit and rallied to score their lone goal in the 55th minute. With the momentum shifting, the Rattlers collected themselves and weathered the storm, silencing the Patriots' attack for the rest of the night and finding the dagger late with the third and final score. After an aggressive drive into the box by Andrick Ferrer drew a penalty kick, Deni Cresto capitalized with his third goal of the season.
The Rattlers claimed a program-defining win behind aggressive offense and a stout defense. Led by a host of veterans, the Rattlers look to challenge for conference supremacy against the Mustangs on Friday.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
- Alonso Rodriguez extends his team lead in goals scored after adding his eighth of the year.
- The Rattlers outshot the Patriots 23-8.
- St. Mary's will advance to the semi-final round for the second time as an LSC member.
HEAD COACH JOHNNY CLIFFORD ON ADVANCING
"Really good win for us. We were really motivated to get this one. The guys were fantastic for us, both starters and the guys off the bench. It was a good end to our home field stint, and we are motivated to go in the semi-final round on Friday. We're hungry and I hope that they are ready...we are."
UP NEXT
The Rattlers take on No. 8 Midwestern State on Friday night in the semi-final round of the Lone Star Conference Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
