LAS CRUCES, N.M. — UTSA jumped out to a 2-0 first-half lead and the Roadrunners held off New Mexico State, 2-1, on Sunday.
Junior Maria Jose Rojas and freshman Kauwela Neal recorded goals to help lead UTSA, which improved to 3-11-2 overall and 2-3-2 in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play.
Meanwhile, the Aggies scored their first goal during the league season, but they fell to 2-12-2 overall (0-5-1 WAC).
Neal broke a scoreless tie in the 24th minute with her second goal of the season. The Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, native corralled a loose ball and beat New Mexico State goalkeeper Jessica Schutter to give the Birds the early advantage.
UTSA pushed the lead to two just before halftime when Rojas took a pass from freshman Simone Boye and found the back of the net in the 43rd minute. She now leads the squad with four winners on the season.
The Aggies finally broke through in the 85th minute when Miranda Valdez took a pass from Vanessa Thomas and spoiled the shutout with her first goal of the campaign.
Freshman goalkeeper Katarina Pus, who recorded five saves on the afternoon, blanked New Mexico State the rest of the way.
Rojas and junior Laylla da Cruz notched three shots apiece to lead the Roadrunners, who were outshot 15-13 on the afternoon.
UTSA will return home to face I-35 rival Texas State (6-11-1, 3-4 WAC) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, in the resgular season finale for both squads.