The UNLV Women’s soccer team secured a thrilling 3-1 home win against CSU Bakersfield.
Bakersfield took an early lead with a goal from Kim Garcia.
However, a brace from Kylie Camp put the Rebels 2-1 up.
The game finished after a strike by Savannah Nichols, who sealed the win 3-1.
The night’s star performer, Camp, helped lead her team to victory as she returned from an ACL injury.
“This win means a lot for our team,” said Camp during the postgame interview. “We were on a three-game loss streak, so to win back at home and to get my first two career goals in one game is pretty cool. Coming back off an ACL injury. Let’s keep it going.”
From the beginning, the Rebels seemed to dominate the game, as strikes from Mallie Ramirez and Cadence Whitley were stopped by goalkeeper Hollee Hercik in the 15th minute.
However, in the 26th minute, Garcia was able to put Bakersfield 1-0 up with an assist from Cynthia Ramirez.
In the 39th minute, Gianna Newby struck a long-distance free kick that goalkeeper Hercik dropped, allowing Camp to strike the rebound into the bottom right corner, tying the game 1-1.
“Most happiest I ever felt in my entire life,” Camp said after the game. “Just to run and hug my team, sprinted all the way, kinda died on that run, but, you know, everything’s worth it. That hard work pays off.”
From then on, neither team could find a goal before halftime, and the score stood 1-1.
During the 64th minute, Trinity Buchanan dribbled past Hildur Jonasdottir in the second half and sent a cross to Camp, who headed it past Hercik to put the Rebels 2-1 up.
Four minutes later, Isis Salazar-Ortega attempted to find an equalizer, but Hanne Breur saved it.
In the 78th minute, as the Bakersfield defense headed away a UNLV free kick, Nichols caught the ball on a volley and struck it into the top left corner, sealing a 3-1 win for the Rebels.
“I think we needed this win for the team and to help us come back up,” said Nichols. “We have a great team, so I believe we can do this even more. Go Rebs!”
The Rebels are back home to take on Cal State Fullerton on Sept. 15. Kickoff will be at 12 p.m.
