HOUSTON – Returning to the competitive pitch for the first time in two weeks, the Celts of the University of St. Thomas showed few signs of rust Friday as they defeated the University of Dallas 3-0.

Katarina Maksimov scored two goals, including the match-winner in the first half, to lead the Celts (2-3-1) to their second consecutive victory. The senior from Richmond, Texas, gave the Celts the lead in the 42nd minute, and then added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute.

Aeriana Lewis stretched the Celts' lead to 2-0 near the match's hour mark when she put home her first goal of the season in the 59th minute. Haile Hernandez assisted on Lewis' goal, and on Maksimov's first strike. Lewis would later assist on Maksimov's second goal.

UST goalkeeper Olivia Futch picked up her second victory and first individual shutout of the season. Futch made two saves during the match.

St. Thomas controlled the pace of play for the duration of the match and outshot the visiting Crusaders 15-5. UST's defense of Kelsie Droptini, Sarah Zimmer, Sydney Wright, and Olivia Urrutia stifled UDallas scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.

The Celts go in search of their third consecutive victory Sunday when they host Austin College in the first match of a women's-and-men's doubleheader between the two schools. The women's match kicks off at noon.