The Lady Lions played two games, both at home. The first game was marked and delayed by lightning. Despite delaying the game, the lightning reflected the surging pace of the game against Arkansas State. It ended in a loss of 1-0 for the Lady Lions, but the soccer team was ready for the next match. With the game set for Sunday at 1 p.m., the Lady Lions took the field and forced the University of Louisiana at Monroe to end the game at 0-0. This was accomplished despite a relentless offense of ULM.
The Lion's Roar/Kelonda Dixon

A trying weekend for the Lady Lions soccer team comes to an end after falling short in one game and tying for zero in another against ULM.

The first game took place on Thursday, Aug. 25 when the Lady Lions faced off at home against Arkansas State. The weather caused difficulties at the game, including an initial 15 minute lightning delay, and another delay, lasting 50 minutes with 1:22 remaining in the first half. When the game resumed, officials chose to continue the game, cut half time and go straight into the second half. In the first half the Red Wolves scored the only goal, which the Lady Lions tried to block. 

During the second half, the Lady Lions received a penalty kick. Sophomore mid fielder Vanessa Arzaluz took the penalty kick, which was deflected off the goal at 54:29. A late scoring attempt by senior forward Casey Peacock was stopped by the Red Wolves with 3:07 left in the game. The final score was 1-0 with Arkansas State on top.

Head Coach Blake Hornbuckle was disappointed by the loss and noted it would lead to changes in preparation for the next game. 

“There will be some adjustments to preparations,” said Hornbuckle. “We’ll mainly look at what we need to do to improve on our execution in some areas, and see what we can do to find the net.”

These adjustments to preparations paid off during the match on Sunday, Aug. 29 against the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks. Instead of missed opportunities, this game was marked by intense play and numerous saves. Despite a barrage of goal attempts by ULM, senior goalkeeper Hope Sabadash saved 13 attempts. It was also the first regular match with a final score of 0-0 since the Lady Lions faced Sam Houston State on Nov. 16, 2015. 

The next game will see the Lady Lions face Mississippi Valley State in Strawberry Stadium at 7 p.m. It will be the last in a three-match series of home games, and all home games remaining for this season will take place in Strawberry Stadium. The matches are free for students and open to the public. 

 

The Lady Lions played two games, both at home. The first game was marked and delayed by lightning. Despite delaying the game, the lightning reflected the surging pace of the game against Arkansas State. It ended in a loss of 1-0 for the Lady Lions, but the soccer team was ready for the next match. With the game set for Sunday at 1 p.m., the Lady Lions took the field and forced the University of Louisiana at Monroe to end the game at 0-0. This was accomplished despite a relentless offense of ULM.
The Lion's Roar/Karson Sharp

The Lady Lions played two games, both at home. The first game was marked and delayed by lightning. Despite delaying the game, the lightning reflected the surging pace of the game against Arkansas State. It ended in a loss of 1-0 for the Lady Lions, but the soccer team was ready for the next match. With the game set for Sunday at 1 p.m., the Lady Lions took the field and forced the University of Louisiana at Monroe to end the game at 0-0. This was accomplished despite a relentless offense of ULM.
The Lion's Roar/Karson Sharp 

The Lady Lions played two games, both at home. The first game was marked and delayed by lightning. Despite delaying the game, the lightning reflected the surging pace of the game against Arkansas State. It ended in a loss of 1-0 for the Lady Lions, but the soccer team was ready for the next match. With the game set for Sunday at 1 p.m., the Lady Lions took the field and forced the University of Louisiana at Monroe to end the game at 0-0. This was accomplished despite a relentless offense of ULM.
The Lion's Roar/Kelonda Dixon