PINE BLUFF, Ark.-After capturing a 4-0 decision over the Southern Lady Jaguars the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions soccer team is now one step closer to securing a first place seed in the 2009 Southwestern Athletic Conference Soccer Tournament.
A victory over the Grambling State Lady Tigers on Oct.30 will give the Lady Lions their first Western Division Title in school history and a number one seed.
“This is exactly where we want to be,” said UAPB Head Coach Roberto Mazza. “Our goal was to get through this game and to be undefeated in conference play so that we could give ourselves a shot at the number one seed.”
Against Southern the Lady Lions were able to capitalize off stellar defensive play. The majority of the contest was played on SU's half of the field as UAPB outshot the Lady Jaguars 14-to-2.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff took a 1-0 advantage in the 15th minute of the outing as Noah Mithrush connected on a shot to the right corner of the net. Jade West added a goal of her own in the first half as she beat Southern's goalie with a phenomenal header which found its way to the back of the net for a 2-0 UAPB lead going into halftime. The header was set-up by an outstanding cross from Mithrush.
“At first I thought it was coming over from another player,” West said after the game. “It got pushed back and then they sent it to Noah again. I was still in the same position and Noah sent it right over to me.”
The Lady Lions took a 3-0 lead in the second half of play after Erika Forbes was successful on a penalty kick attempt. Taryn Wright concluded the games scoring during the 86th minute as she scored a goal bringing the score to 4-0.
UAPB will now get set to host their home finale against Central Baptist on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 3 pm at the Lady Lions Soccer Field.
