The Lady Lions spent their first two games this season on the road last weekend at Memphis on Friday, Aug. 19 and Jackson State on Sunday, Aug. 21. The score of the games were 1-4 against Memphis and 2-0 against Jackson State. 

These two games have given the Lady Lions the chance to see where they are as a team.

“We are growing as a team and getting better each day which is very positive,” said Head soccer Coach Blake Hornbuckle.

In the first game against Memphis the Lady Lions scored the first goal on a long shot by sophomore midfielder Vanessa Arzaluz from outside the box. Making the score 1-0 at the 20:58 mark in the first half.

That was the only goal The Lady Lions scored as Memphis sent a shot past senior goalkeeper Hope Sabadash tying the game at the 41-minute mark in the first half. 

The Tigers scored again at the 44:20 mark in a scramble to the corner net making the lead 1-2.

Both teams had a chance to score before the second half, but the defense from both teams held strong until the end of the half. The Lady Lions had six shots blocked during the stretch. 

Memphis quickly scored early in the second half with the score then 1-3. 

The final score was at the 70:20 mark to bring the final score to 1-4.

Sabadash had seven saves in this game and the Lady Lion defense had three blocks. Two of the Lady Lions shots were blocked by Memphis.

In the second game at Jackson State the Lady Lions controlled the flow of the game by outshooting the opposition 16-1. With 2:58 left in the first half junior midfielder Maggie Ramsey scored the first goal and gave the Lady Lions the lead going into the second half.

Ramsey would seal the deal at the 72:10 mark making the score 2-0. Sabadash secured the shutout by blocking  a shot that was in front of the net and then diving to the left to block a second attempt before the Lady Lions could secure the ball for the game to end regulation.

Ramsey scored both goals in the game. Junior midfielder Maddie Kresevic had one assist and Sabadash finished with four saves.

“The entire team is working hard,” said Hornbuckle. “A number of players have stood out in our first two games that include Maggie Ramsey, Maddie Kresevic, Hope Sabadash, Sofia Olsson, Payton Colson, Katie Noonan, Vanessa Arzaluz, Casey Peacock and Linda Karlsson.”

The Lady Lions play their first home game this Thursday against Arkansas State at 4 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 28 they will face UL-Monroe for 1 p.m. at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.

“We are preparing this week for two tough teams in Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe,” said Hornbuckle. “Our team is extremely excited to open at home after two games on the road.  We would like to invite all to come see us play this weekend on North Campus.”

At the home opener Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity will host a tailgate party before the game. At both games you can claim double LionUp Loyalty points.

To see full schedule and promotions visit lionsports.net.