The Lady Panther soccer team rolled into Denton, Texas, on a four game losing streak, while giving up an average of 4.7 goals a game to their opponents. That changed on Saturday, when Jessica Garcia recorded a team high of 15 saves in the Lady Panthers 1-0 win over North Texas. The victory was Prairie View’s first win over a Division I program in the history of Lady Panthers soccer.
“The game was definitely a confidence booster for the girls,” said Head Coach Abe Garcia. “We hope this win will bring the team some outside exposure, but more importantly, some recognition from this student body and administration.”
The contest proved to be a defensive battle throughout the first half of play, as both teams struggled to get up shots on goal. North Texas, which has beaten Big 12 conference foes Texas Tech and Baylor, had their hands full with Prairie View’s attacking style. “We didn’t do anything different because it was North Texas,” said Coach Garcia. “We just went out with the same scheme as always.”
The game plan started to create more opportunities in the second half, when Prairie View produced more shots on goal through their excellent passing. Overall, the Lady Panthers got 10 shots up on North Texas’ Haley Newsom and Mandy Hall. The barrage of shots eventually paid off for the team in the 78:00 minute, as Mayra Castillo hit Monica Diaz with a perfect pass that she kicked into the back of the net.
The Diaz score would prove to be the deciding point in the game, but Jessica Garcia’s excellent 90 minutes in front of goal definitely made the win possible. “My coach told me this was my game and I kept that in mind throughout the game,” said Garcia. “Even though I played well, I still know it was a total team effort and it proves we can play with the best.” “She had an outstanding game,” said Coach Garcia. “Everybody excelled in their positions and hopefully this momentum will continue into the rest of the season.” The Panthers have some great upperclass women with years of experience on this year’s team, but they also have eight freshmen who have stepped on campus and into starting roles. “They are all adapting to the game rather quickly, even though they have some adjusting to do with the players,” said Garcia.
This young Lady Panthers squad will look to build on their historic win Monday. They will face Texas College here in the William “Billy” J. Nicks Athletic Complex at 5 p.m.
Prarie View A&M
Tuesday, June 24, 2025