That fact was made abundantly relevant in BYU’s disappointing 3-2 loss to West Virginia on Wednesday.

Throughout the match the Cougars provided all sorts of pressure on the Mountaineers, and perhaps particularly during the second half, and did manage two goals, as a result. But defensive lapses and West Virginia simply proving better in creating quality scoring opportunities when taking possession conspired to deal the Cougars two Big 12 Conference losses in as many games played this season.

“We have plenty of possession, but possession doesn’t win games,” said BYU Coach Jennifer Rockwood. “We just have to figure out ways to be a lot more dangerous. And in the second half, I thought we were pretty dangerous. But we need to find some people who can find their confidence in front of the goal. We don’t have any consistent goal-scorers yet.”

Two players who did show confidence in front of the goal were freshman Mia Lopez and junior Halle Dixon who goals in the 68th and 89th minutes, respectively.

Lopez avoided some traffic in front of her to place a ball just inside the right post and into the back of the net. The goal squared up the match at 1-1 as BYU appeared poised to take control of the match considering the advantage is was enjoying in possession, among other factors.

But just under 30 seconds later, West Virginia snatched back momentum. A unmarked Layla Thompson took full advantage of BYU’s defensive lapse to find a wide open net and put the Mountaineers ahead for good while stunning the the home crowd.

“they nullified our goal and got the momentum back,” Rockwood said. “…We looked up and they scored a goal. They’re dangerous, and they got behind us a few times and that’s something our team has struggled with.”

Despite Thompson’s deflating goal, the Cougars kept up the pressure only to see the Mountaineers extend their lead to 3-1 in the 73rd minute. A great ball from around midfield was tracked down by speedy West Virginia forward Taylor White who then placed the ball into the opposite upper corner of the back of the net to complicate the Cougar’s comeback hopes significantly.

The Cougars did manage a goal from Dixon with just over a minute remaining off an assist from Ellie Walbruch in what was certainly one of the more positive moments of the match.

“I think there were a few bright spots tonight,” Rockwood said. “I thought that Mia Lopez really had a great game…I thought one of the bright shots was her and her being dominant out there.”

As for Dixon, her goal came on the heels of undergoing back surgery in the offseason which left her contribution this season somewhat in doubt.

“Halle’s had a great season so far, and we’re really happy for her,” Rockwood said. “She’s had such a battle to get back the last two years, and all her struggles before that. I think she’s only going to get better and better, and we’ll need to rely on her a lot in our attack.”

But bright moments aside, the Cougars (5-3-1) left Wednesday’s game disappointed and resolute to work for a better result when they take on Cincinnati on Saturday.

“I think our team is a little frustrated right now, so we’re going to have to fight that off,” Rockwood concluded. “When you have high expectations and things don’t fall the way you’re hoping (it’s tough.) So we’ll see how resilient and how tough mentally we can be.”