Colorado Springs - The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs defeated rival CSU-Pueblo 2-1 in overtime with a game-winning goal from Junior, Jessica Escobedo. The game ending goal came just four minutes into overtime and was assisted by Kristin Preble and Sara Palizzi.

CSU-Pueblo scored the first goal of the match, but UCCS quickly answered when Palizzi scored just two minutes after Pueblo kicked in their only goal. Both of these goals came at the end of the first half and a defensive grudge match ensued in the second half of play.

With both defenses playing so tough, it became apparent that the team with the more powerful offense would be the winner. That team was undoubtedly the Mountain Lions, who registered 20 shots, including 12 on goal, compared to nine and five respectively by CSU-Pueblo. In overtime, it was exactly that powerful UCCS offense that got the job done, they controlled the ball and attacked constantly until Escobedo got a high shot straight into the back of the net.

"It felt great, it was my first goal of the season, it felt really good to come through for the team," said Escobedo. " I've worked hard so it felt good to finally get one through."

This was a big win for the UCCS women's soccer team, which improved to 4-2 on the season and 1-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.

It was also a big win for the whole UCCS athletic department. It is the first Mountain Lion victory of the year against CSU-Pueblo and gets the first UCCS points of the year towards the Steel and Silver series, the annual all-sports competition between the schools. Last year's trophy was awarded to UCCS during the intermission between the men's and women's games Wednesday. The trophy has been around since the 2005-06 school year and the Mountain Lions have taken it home every year.

The Mountain Lions start a two game road trip with Fort Lewis and Mesa State on Friday before returning home a week later for a match with Colorado Christian on October 1st.