1-1-3, 0-0-0
UTRGV
3-3-0, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTRGV | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Sam Houston | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Kats top UTRGV for first win of the season
9/3/2026 9:23:00 PM | Soccer
HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston soccer team took over in the second half to defeat UTRGV 4-2 for its first win of the season Thursday night at Pritchett Field. The Bearkats' strong offensive performance was complemented by a solid defensive effort.
UTRGV struck first in the 10th minute to take an early lead. The Bearkats (1-1-3) came out of halftime ready to respond, with Lily Sargent-Burns knotting the game at 1-1 early in the second half.
The Vaqueros quickly regained the lead on a penalty kick in the 57th minute, but the Bearkats did not let them hold onto it for long.
Gabrielle Gipson found the back of the net shortly after, using finesse to score from 22 yards out and tie the match once again. In the 73rd minute, freshman Sara Benton scored her first goal of the season with an assist from Kelsey Villatoro, giving Sam Houston its first lead of the night.
The Bearkats continued to shine defensively while maintaining majority of possession. Sam Houston put the finishing touches on the victory in the final two minutes when Sierra Herbert scored her second goal of the season, with Gipson providing the assist to secure the 4-2 win.
Goalkeeper Samantha Rank came up with several key saves throughout the match, finishing the night with four saves.
Sam Houston generated 14 shots, placing nine on target, while UTRGV recorded 13 shots with six on goal. The Bearkats earned six corner kicks compared to two for the Vaqueros.
Sam Houston will remain at Pritchett Field to host Texas Southern on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Isabella Burtini (4)
Assisted By: Amy Romero
GOAL by UTRGV Burtini, Isabella Assist by Romero, Amy.
10:21
Lily Sargent-Burns (1)
Dribble to right top of box and scored from about 22 yards out in back left corner of net
48:16
Isabella Burtini (4)
UTRGV Isabella Burtini PENALTY KICK GOAL.
57:12
Gabrielle Gipson (2)
Scored on a free kick from top right of box
67:09
Sara Benton (1)
Assisted By: Kelsey Villatoro
GOAL by SHSU Benton, Sara Assist by Villatoro, Kelsey.
73:57
Siera Herbert (2)
Assisted By: Gabrielle Gipson
Gipson played forward to Herbert at top of box. Goalie fell and net was open. Right foot into right front corner
88:23
