Garcia’s record-tying goal proves decisive for A&M-Victora against NAU

HOUSTON – Ayloni Garcia and the Texas A&M University-Victoria got back on track Saturday to close out the regular season.

The Jaguars defeated North American University, 2-1, at Houston Sports Park on Saturday evening thanks to a record-tying goal from Garcia and Briana Ortega's second goal of the season.

Thanks to Our Lady of the Lake's win over A&M-San Antonio earlier on Saturday, A&M-Victoria was assured the No. 6-seed in the Red River Athletic Conference tournament next week. Saturday's win over the Stallions will give the Jaguars (8-4-5, 5-3-3) momentum into a rematch with three-seeded OLLU at a date and time next week to be announced later.

Garcia's goal from the penalty spot in the 57^th minute was her 14^th of the season, tying the single-season record set by Kyleigh Spree-Kolos last year. It also tied the single-season points record (31) which was last set by Spree-Kolos, as well.

Briana Ortega opened the scoring in the 34^th minute thanks to an assist from Siobhan Scott.

NAU pulled a goal back in the 81^st minute to make the scoreline more misleading than the stats would show.

The Jaguars dominated possession in the match, posting 24 shots to NAU's 9. Of those 24, 15 were on goal.

Scott and Garcia led the offensive push for A&M-Victoria with six and five shots, respectively. Five of the six from Scott were on goal.

Jamie Noriega made six saves in goal on Saturday, marking the ninth time this season the Dickinson native has posted five saves or more.

By qualifying for the RRAC tournament, this is the fourth time in the last five years the Jaguars have made the tournament.