DENTON, Texas -- Midwestern State sophomore Ashley Cottrell converted a penalty kick in the 80th minute to provide the difference in  a 1-0 win over Texas Woman's Saturday night at the TWU Soccer Field.
 
It was the Mustangs fifth win over the last six games as MSU improved to 6-3 on the season while going to 1-1 in Lone Star Conference play.
 
Cottrell, who also converted a PK in a two-goal effort earlier this week against Central Oklahoma, battled for a 50/50 ball and broke open in the box to provide the lone offense against the Pioneers, who dropped to 3-6-1 and 0-2-1.
 
"She contested it, controlled it and they bumped her from behind," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "She's very composed and skilled in the box. She'll hold possession of the ball, and because she is so strong, she will get fouled."
 
Cottrell's sixth goal of the season may have provided the difference in the match, but MSU's defensive play cinched it.
 
"I felt like we were going to have to play some really good defense tonight. This was the best we've played in the back this year," Trimble said. "They are very dangerous off of their throw-ins. They got a few really good chances off of that."
 
But TWU found it difficult to create anything in close against a back line led by center back Anna Molen, who missed Tuesday's match against UCO due to injury. The senior had plenty of help, too.
 
Junior Carina Dunnahoo and freshmen Haley Britton and Katie Huff continued their steady play, but got a lift from sophomore Alex Edwards, who made her first showing of the season after starting 17 matches at outside back last season.
 
"Alex had an outstanding game coming off of the bench tonight," Trimble said. "(The unit) was very organized. We do a good job of defending the 18. We gave up some shots, but they were contested and (senior goalkeeper) Kallie (Essary) plays good angles on them."
 
Essary made four stops to cinch her third clean sheet of the season.
 
Trimble also praised the play of his Cottrell, Emily Saville and Callie Briseno up front.
 
"Those three did a very good job up front," he said. "This was the most complete game we've played this season."
 
Midwestern State continues on the road to face No. 24-ranked Texas A&M-Commerce on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.