Game Recap by Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

The Mustangs’ objective ahead of Saturday’s regular-season finale in Surprise, Arizona, was multipronged.

First, the club wanted to accumulate momentum before next week’s Golden State Athletic Conference tournament, where it knew it would be hosting a quarterfinal game, if not yet who its opponent would be.

Second, Master’s hoped to continue setting the tone for 2019 and beyond. What kind of team, what kind of program, did it want to be?

“I think everyone realized the impact of what this game means today for this season — and next season,” said junior defender Kayla Peterson. “Everyone wanted to step up.”

The scouting report on Ottawa University Arizona was narrower in focus.

Ottawa forward Sydnee Busby entered the day with a GSAC-high 17 goals and nine assists, and the Mustangs back line was tasked with rendering the stellar stat line static.

Master’s beat the GSAC’s newest member, 1-0, recording its 10th shutout of the season and securing third place in conference standings behind Kyndel Borman’s goal in the 68th minute.

The Mustangs (12-5-1, 5-3-0) will host Arizona Christian at TMU on Nov. 3 in a GSAC quarterfinal game. Start time is to be determined.

Saturday’s outcome was largely determined by a back line that featured Kayla Peterson, Laura English, Payton Williams and Seren Tamayo.

Peterson and English spearheaded the group with Williams and Tamayo subbing in and out for each other. The focus was Busby.

“We wanted to limit her shots, stand her up, keep her in front of us,” Peterson said. “She’s good on the ball. We had to make sure she couldn’t turn and find a free opportunity on goal.”

Busby attempted two shots, neither on frame.

Meanwhile, Borman netted her third goal of the season and third game winner.

The freshman said the goal she scored in TMU’s 1-0 win over Menlo College on Oct. 6 played at least some role in Saturday’s result, providing the forward with a level of confidence in front of net.

Sierra Carrasco set the table. The senior drove into Ottawa Arizona’s defensive third and lifted a pass over a defender. Borman trapped it, took a touch, and finished with her right foot.

“I planted and kept it low,” Borman said.

It was the kind of play coach Curtis Lewis envisioned when he recruited Borman out of Buchanan High in Clovis, California, and it wasn’t TMU’s only dangerous opportunity.

Five other Mustangs attempted shots, with TMU hitting the post three times. Master’s outshot the Spirit 8-2. Master’s took nine corners to Ottawa’s zero.

“We were relatively dangerous all day,” Lewis said.

Here’s the box score.

The win provided a happy end to a whirlwind day, the Mustangs flying out of Hollywood Burbank Airport around 6:45 a.m. And after a 40-minute bus ride from Phoenix to Surprise, the team transitioned into warm-ups for its first-ever meeting with the first-year GSAC member.

Lewis left impressed.

“(Head coach) Skelly (Kellar) is doing a great job at Ottawa,” Lewis said. “They are going to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s a good addition to the GSAC. We were excited to be able to take care of business.”