The Huston Tillotson Lady Rams began their regular season today with a home opener against the Northwest Oklahoma State University Lady Rangers. The Lady Rams, with a roster that includes 12 new freshman players, jumped out to an early lead over the Northwest Oklahoma Lady Rangers, as freshman Forward Helen Rios scored on a breakaway. The Lady Rams went into the half with a 1-0 lead. 

The Rangers began the second half with an all out effort to even the score. Those efforts paid off as a shot deflected off the crossbar of the goal was followed by two Forwards who collided with sophomore goal keeper Pamela Carias. The tying goal came with 15 minutes left in the game.

Even with the clock running down, the Lady Rams did not lose their composure. With strong defense and exceptional teamwork, the Lady Rams worked the ball down the field creating numerous scoring opportunities. 

The final opportunity came with approximately five minutes left in the game, as a Northwestern Oklahoma defender was called for a hand ball penalty just outside the 18. As both teams positioned, freshman Goal Keeper Haiydee Moran stepped up to take the free kick. That kick would sail over the outstretched arms of the Ranger Goal Keeper and into the upper right corner of the goal, giving Huston Tillotson a much deserved 2-1 victory. 

The victory over Northwest Oklahoma ended a 25 game winless streak dating back to September 10, 2008. It also gave second year Coach Rebecca Devine her first win as Head Coach of the Lady Rams. 

Next up for the Lady Rams is a home game against UT Dallas on Wednesday, September 1 at 7:00 PM.

Previous Hill College player Chelsea Santos took the field for the Rams against her former teammates.  Junior Santos commanded the midfield and was a wonderful source of inspiration for her new Huston-Tillotson team.  The Rams looked strong despite being made up of 12 freshman!  The young team threatened to score in the first half but the Hill keeper was strong and no challenge was too dangerous.  A miscommunication in the second half gave Hill College the lead.  The Rams dug in and Junior Yuli Jaramillo fed Helen Rios a through ball and she cleanly slid the ball home to even the score.  HT looked likely to score another but time ran out before they found the net.  Coach Rebecca Devine said, "The girls looked good, but I'm looking forward to Saturday night and getting the girls a bit more seasoned!" 

Coach Rebecca Devine and Senior Evelyn Guzman went to the Elsik High School in Houston, TX college signing day to celebrate with four incoming Rams.  Elsik Seniors Haiydee Moran (first team all district) from club team Southwest United, Helen Rios (offensive MVP all district), Sarah Lindell (March's student athlete of the month) from Southwest United and an HT DuBois Scholar, and Melyssa Lopez from Albion Hurricanes signed letters of intent to play at HT in fall 2010. 

 Natasha Anderson from Hays High School and of the AU Caps has committed to HT for fall 2010.  She is joined by two O'Connor High School players Ashley Fisher (Dragons) and Tori Reyes (Tigres AC) in San Antonio.  Tri-County Flyers player Shaunally Hill is coming in from Shoemaker High in Kileen.  Alba Mendoza from Franklin High in El Paso and club team El Paso Storm.  Also from El Paso is Jasmine Valdez from Chapin High and the Angels club team.  Diana Ramirez is coming in from Houston, she plays for Langham Creek High School and Southwest United.  Transfer April Taylor is coming in to play between the sticks, she previously played for Mountain View College and Southern in the SWAC.  Mercedes Villanueva is coming from Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio and plays for the Lions.  Courtney Wilcutt (first team All District) is coming from Madison High and has played for the Lions and Lady Bobcats.  Four players from Elsik High in Houston are committed to the Rams, they are Haiydee Moran (first team all District) and Sarah Lindell (an incoming HT DuBois Scholar), both play for the Southwest United. Joining them are Melyssa Lopez from Albion Hurricanes and Helen Rios (District Offensive MVP and Top Scorer).

Senior Day at HT introduced us to 6 new recruits for fall 2010.  Noelani Holmes and Bianca Sharkey came from San Antonio to represent Karen Wagner High.  Both would be an excellent addition to our team joining former teammate Mari Martinez!  4 terrific prospects came from Killeen with Coach Hicks.  The cousins Ozias Ellis and Shaunally Hill were joined by teammates Camille Wright and Melissa Natal.  Their former teammate Ram Jessica Toscano met them and introduced them to the team.