LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Westminster women's soccer team had its chances of a regular season Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title take a hit with a 2-1 loss at New Mexico Highlands on Friday night.
 
Westminster (8-3-3, 5-2-3 RMAC) saw its three-game unbeaten streak come to an end with the loss. They remain three points off the conference lead with two games to play, including a game at co-RMAC leader CSU-Pueblo on Sunday.
 
New Mexico Highlands (3-9-1, 3-6) took the lead in the third minute on Friday. Samantha Mendez scored on the first shot of the game for either team and notched the earliest goal allowed by the Griffins since the 2014 season and the third-fastest all-time.
 
The deficit didn't last very long as Heidi Lorschider scored the equalizer just over two minute later. Tiana Cerciello set-up Lorschider for her sixth goal of the season.
 
The game went to halftime even at 1-1 despite the Griffins holding a 9-6 edge in shots. Madison Roemer had two shots turned away by the NMHU keeper in the final five minutes of the half.
 
It was the 56th minute of play when the Cowgirls fond the eventual game-winner. Danielle Acuna finished her third goal of the season on a feed by Emily Ortiz.
 
Westminster would dominate the chances over the final 30 minutes as they tried to pull the game level. They outshot NMHU 7-2 in that time frame, including a chance from Emily Pascua in the 74th minute that hit the post.
 
For the game, Westminster took 21 shots and allowed only 10. They finished with 10 shots on goal and held a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
 
Roemer recorded a team-high six shots and tied Jacqueline Williams with two shots on goal. Breanna Empey suffered the loss in goal with three saves.
 
Sunday's crucial game against CSU-Pueblo is the final road game of the season for the Griffins. The action will begin at noon and be broadcast live on the RMAC Network.