The Blinn College women’s soccer team continued its strong start to Region 14 play Friday, using two first-half goals and a dominant defensive performance to earn a 2-0 shutout victory over Northeast Texas Community College at Rankin Field in Brenham.
The Buccaneers improved to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in Region 14 competition with the victory. Blinn has now won back-to-back region matches without allowing a goal, giving the Bucs momentum as they move deeper into their conference schedule.
Blinn wasted little time establishing control of Friday’s match, finding the back of the net just six minutes after the opening whistle.
Following a corner kick, sophomore midfielder Saya Shiratsuki moved into the Northeast Texas penalty area as Blinn worked the ball back toward the goal. A long cross found Shiratsuki in position, and she lunged forward to redirect the ball with a toe tap into the back-right corner of the net, giving the Buccaneers an early 1-0 advantage.
The early goal allowed Blinn to play from in front while continuing to pressure the Eagles throughout the opening half.
That pressure paid off again in the 42nd minute.
A Blinn shot struck the right goalpost and bounced back into play, where freshman forward Chelsea Mentado collected the loose ball. Mentado quickly capitalized on the opportunity, firing the rebound into the net to extend the Buccaneers’ lead to 2-0 just before halftime.
While the offense provided all the scoring Blinn would need, the Buccaneers’ defense controlled the other end of the field.
Northeast Texas was held without a single shot during the match as Blinn’s back line prevented the Eagles from generating a scoring opportunity. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, finished with 20 shots and four corner kicks, illustrating Blinn’s control of possession and offensive pressure throughout the contest.
Sophomore goalkeeper Reece Cauthen was in goal for the Buccaneers and improved to 3-2 on the season. With the Blinn defense keeping Northeast Texas from recording a shot, Cauthen and the Buccaneers secured their second consecutive Region 14 shutout.
The victory also continued an encouraging stretch for Blinn after opening region play with a loss. The Buccaneers have responded with two straight victories and have not surrendered a goal during that span.
Blinn will have little time between matches as the Buccaneers return to Rankin Field for another Region 14 contest against Paris Junior College at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Blinn College has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and has captured 53 national championships since 1987.
