OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary got a crucial conference win Saturday with a little help from a trick play added earlier this week.

The Flames defeated Midland University 2-1 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference contest.

"Midland is a game we always want to come out and take points in," CSM Coach Jordan Irsik said. "That was our goal today. We knew their style and formation was unique so we came out in something new as well and the ladies really stepped up to the challenge to win the mental battle."

The game was physical and evenly matched. The teams played to a 0-0 tie in the opening half.

"Both teams had a couple really unlucky bounces first half so we were happy to be 0-0 at the half," she said.

In the second half, CSM set up for a free kick at 58:37. Abbey Wilson (JR/Papillion, Neb.) and Jimena Estrada Gómez (FR/Omaha, Neb.) executed a trick play to perfection with Wilson earning the goal and Gomez getting the assist.

"The first goal was such a fun moment," Irsik said. "We always put in some trick set pieces for conference and Jimena and Abbey have been excited to try that one out. A little deception and we were able to catch them by surprise."

Irsik said they worked on that play earlier this week and only a few athletes knew it was coming.

Midland then tied the contest at 65:35 when Claudia Wilson scored, assisted by Anastasia Bitzes.

Finally, CSM got the game winner when Marissa Ring (FR/Neola, Iowa) kneed one in at 80:22 with assists credited to Courtney Kosch (SR/Columbus, Neb.) and Aubrey Vancura (SO/Kearney, Neb.).

"Their goal was definitely gritty and just hard work to score, so I was happy that we responded with one like it," Irsik said. "Aubrey played a great ball in and our forwards Marissa and Courtney just found a way to put it in."

Gabby Felker (JR/Omaha, Neb.) had four saves in net for the Flames in the opening half. Teammate Alivia Schade (SO/Kearney, Neb.) had one save in the second half.

College of Saint Mary outshot Midland 15-9.

"This is definitely a team win and big confidence boost as conference play continues," Irsik said. "They play so hard for each other and that just gives us confidence looking forward."

CSM is now 4-1-0 in the GPAC and 7-3-1 overall. The Warriors drop to 2-2-1, 4-4-3. The Flames play again Wednesday at Briar Cliff University.