LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- The Thunderbirds lost their season opener on the road against Mountain West opponent UNLV, three goals to one. 

Head Coach Kai Edwards said

"It was a good first game in the high heat on the road. We outshot them and had more corners. We created a lot of good chances. We need to clean up our execution in the final third, and it's a different outcome. We competed well for our first game on the road and played as a team the whole time. We are now looking forward to the rematch with Nevada on Sunday after last year's unfortunate outcome."

Game Recap
Trinity Buchanan opened the scoring with a goal in the 15th minute, assisted by Mimi Mendoza, and the Rebels took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. 

Just five minutes into the second half, the Rebels extended their lead to 2-0 on a goal from Whitley Cadence, assisted by Cassie Villanueva. In the 75th minute, Buchanan scored her second of the night on a penalty kick following a foul inside the box. 

Whitney Gardner was phenomenal all night long, and after making a quality run, she drew a penalty of her own, and Hailey Hamataka buried the PK to cut into the UNLV lead.

Statistical Recap
The Thunderbirds dominated in total shots, outshooting the Rebels 19 to 11, including 8-5 in shots on goal. 

Seven Thunderbirds recorded a shot on goal, with Chelsea Loeser getting both of her shots on target. Gardner led the team with five total shots. 

Darya Mosallaei got the start in goal and recorded two saves in her Thunderbird debut. 

Mosallaei, Rylan Tebbs, Steph Roper, and Jenna Grider played the full 90 minutes. 

Up Next
The Thunderbirds will stay in the state of Nevada for their second game of the season when they take on the Wolfpack of The University of Nevada on Sunday, Aug 18, at 1:00 p.m.

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