ST. GEORGE, UTAH – Academy of Art women's soccer (1-12-1, 1-7-1 PacWest) traveled to Dixie State on Saturday looking to take home a win to close out their second-to-last road trip of the season. However, the Trailblazers' offense prevailed, shutting out the Urban Knights with a 2-0 victory.
 
ART U was able to keep things scoreless for the majority of the first half until DSU broke through in the 22nd-minute. After a shot moments before, the ball was deflected just in front of Kamie Hunter who sent one that ricocheted off the right post and into the net. Dixie made it 2-0 15 minutes later however, as this time Darian McCloy came away with a goal, 15 yards out at the top of the box.
 
In the second half, the Urban Knights made some adjustments on defense and were able to shut down the Trailblazers for the remainder of the game.
 
"Our center backs played really well and organized in the second half," said head coach Katie Awerkamp. "I also saw better communication and [sophomore goalkeeper] Morgan Wirz played outstanding off of her line."
 
Despite allowing two goals in the first half, Wirz did indeed have an impressive game. Altogether, the Graphic Design major compiled 9 saves, tying her second-highest total of the season and the most since denying 11 shots at Western Washington on September 4. DSU had a grand total of 21 shots and eight goal kicks. Academy of Art's struggled to make it past a tough Trailblazer defense, only getting off two shots in the contest, and only one of which was on goal.
 
With the win, Dixie State now improves to 9-5-0, 7-2-0 PacWest and is in the midst of a seven-game winning streak. DSU currently sits in second place in the conference.
 
With the road trip now behind them, ART U will return home for their final home stand of the season, featuring contests against Notre Dame de Namur and Hawaii Pacific. (October 27 and November 1).