GOLDEN - With one tip off the foot of Julia Saenz, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs defeated the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers for the first time in school history and boosted the Mountain Lions back into playoff relevance.

Saenz's goal in the 49th minute gave UCCS a 1-0 lead that would hold on to become the final score in the match, played Friday afternoon at CSM Soccer Stadium.

With the win, the Mountain Lions improved to 7-7-1 overall and 4-6-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. With three points earned for each win and one foe a tie, UCCS now has 13 points in the standings with three matches remaining. That total has it in sixth place, two points ahead of Nebraska-Kearney and three in front of Adams State. Since six teams qualify for the postseason, the significance is obvious.

Colorado Mines remained in fifth place with a 6-4-1 RMAC record (7-5-3 overall).

The Mountain Lions were previously winless against the Orediggers in four meetings.

UCCS goalkeeper Kelly Schroeder made only two saves in recording her fourth shutout, but both were game-savers. The first was in the 10th minute when she made a diving stop of an Allie Stange shot. The second came on an Anna Evans shot from just inside the box in the 22nd minute.

Mines finished with a 13-2 shot advantage, but the UCCS defense forced 11 of those to be off-frame.

Just 3:30 into the second half, Saenz redirected a Sara Palizzi crossing pass for what proved to be the game-winner.