Bayhi, Ruiz bring winning experience as returners for 2022

Published by San Antonio Athenians SC Communications

SAN ANTONIO TX (May 15 2022) - Defender Sarah Bayhi and midfielder Emma Ruiz are returning after playing a crucial role in the Athenians’ 2021 UWS Southwest Regional Championship.

Emma Ruiz (formerly Durain) is back for year two in the Athenians’ midfield after 10 appearances (7 starts) in UWS in 2021. Ruiz was the designated penalty taker and converted both PKs she stepped up for. Her crowning moment came in the UWS Southwest Regional semifinal against Side FC 92, where her fantastic long-range strike gave the San Antonio side the lead early in the game. Prior to joining the Athenians, Durain spent 2 seasons with Texas Spurs in the NPSL and 4 seasons at Dallas Baptist University from 2014-2017, making 74 total appearances for the Patriots. Ruiz will continue to where the number 8 for San Antonio this season.

Bayhi, a UTSA standout from 2016-2019, made 67 total appearances at the NCAA D1 level with the roadrunners, starting all but 3 games and providing 4 assists in total. She brought intensity and physicality to the Athenians backline in 2021, making 10 appearances in UWS including starting the UWS national semifinal game. Bayhi will continue to wear the number 22, her number throughout college and her first season in purple and white.

The Athenians 2022 roster is nearly complete with the UWS season set to begin in 5 days. Mia Wildeman, Olivia Wright, Eden Bretzer, Ashley Newland, Jade Piper, Sarah Bayhi, and Emma Ruiz have been announced as returners from the 2021 UWS Southwest Championship squad, with Emma Bates, Enzi Broussard, Amanda Chimbima, Camellia Xu, Jessi Reinhardt, Sierra Wannamaker, Eve Clarkson, and Keeley Ayala set to don the Purple and White for the first time this season. Stay tuned to SanAntonioAthenians.com and the club’s social media for further announcements this week.

The San Antonio Athenians Soccer Club (SAASC) was created in 2016 and played its inaugural soccer season in 2017. SAASC is the first women’s semi-pro soccer team in San Antonio and features top players from the San Antonio area and beyond, including amateurs, collegiate, semi-pro and former professional players. After a change in ownership and a move to Soccer Central (6610 Low Bid Lane, San Antonio TX 78201), The Athenians lifted the first trophy in club history in 2021, defeating Lone Star Republic in the UWS Southwest Final 1-0.

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