It wasn’t pretty or flawless, but a battle. And that’s what the Border War is supposed to be, and that’s exactly how the University of Wyoming soccer team wanted it.

The Cowgirls grinded out a 1-0 victory on Thursday at the csu Soccer Field. The win improves the Pokes to 7-2-0 on the season, while the loss drops the Rams to 1-6-1 on the year.

“You need these games to see how you need to prepare for conference to see what it takes to grind games out,” head coach Josh Purdum said. “We haven’t had too many tight games from a statistical standpoint, and at the end of the day that game could have gone either way. To do that on the road and to do that for a fourth road game in a row on the road is a testament to the group’s mindset.”

Lauren Westwood’s goal was the difference. She found the back of the net during the 18th minute. It’s her first-career goal as a Cowgirl and she represents the ninth different Wyoming player who has scored this season.

Cowgirls’ goalkeeper, Haley Bartel, turned away six shots for her fifth clean sheet of the season. It’s also her 23rd career shutout, which is four clear of the previous program record.

Speaking of program records. The 7-2-0 non-conference performance is the best in school history from a win percentage standpoint. Also, it’s the first time a Wyoming team has ever won four straight road matches.

The Pokes will remain on the road to open Mountain West Conference play. They travel to Nevada on Sept. 24 for a 7 p.m. match at Mackay Stadium.