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LAS VEGAS, N.M. (Sept. 7) -- Central Washington University junior goalkeeper Kayla Lipston (Federal Way/Decatur HS) made five saves, but an early goal by host New Mexico Highlands University proved to be the difference in the Wildcats' 1-0 loss to the Cowgirls on Saturday night at Perkins Stadium.

The loss was the second in as many matches for CWU, which was shutout by Adams State University, 2-0, on Thursday night in Alamosa, Colo. New Mexico Highlands, which competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, improved to 1-0-1 on the young campaign.

"We played a faster and more physical team," CWU head coach Michael Farrand explained. "We hurt ourselves with some cautions, and found ourselves having to battle the entire game. We were never able to get ourselves into formation and we only saw bits and pieces of CWU soccer."

The host Cowgirls scored at the third minute on a scramble in front of the goal following a corner kick. Alyssa Saucedo was credited with the goal off assists from Jasmine Waugaman and Crystal Schuder, giving the Wildcats an early deficit.

CWU was outshot by a 6-4 count in the opening period, but closed that shot deficit in the second period as each team finished with eight shots. Three of the Wildcats' second-half tries made it on goal, but none were able to get past Nikita Rivera, who earned the shutout for NMHU.

In addition to its deficit on the scoreboard, CWU was whistled for four yellow cards and a red card in the match. The Wildcats played the final 7:44 with just 10 players on the field.

Freshman Allie Bohnett (Gig Harbor) and junior Danielle Brandli (Bellevue/Interlake HS) were each credited with two shot attempts for the Wildcats, who will look to break into the scoring column for the first time this season when they wrap up their three-match road trip in Portales, N.M., against Eastern New Mexico University on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 10). CWU plays its home opener on Sept. 19 against Saint Martin's University.