Box Score Alexandria, LA-
Defending SWAC champion, Arkansas-Pine Bluff knocked off top seeded Alabama A&M with a 2-1 win during the first round of the 2012 Conference Soccer Tournament. With the win, UAPB (6-13-2) kept alive their chances of defending their title, advancing to Friday semifinal round. Meanwhile, after a great stretch run that saw them claim the East Division title, A&M's season ended at 5-13.
The Carrera sisters, Celeste and Czelene, combined for two goals and an assist to lead the Lady Lions. Czelene Carrera scored the first goal of the game in the 27th minute off of an assist by Molly Stone. Three minutes later, she struck again. This time, the assist came from sister Celeste in the 30th minute. The back-to-back goals gave UAPB a 2-0 lead at intermission.
In the second half, A&M cut the lead in half on a goal off of a penalty kick by Ana Huertas in the 76th minute. The Lady Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime, but a final shot by Carre Rodriguez missed high of the goal as time expired.
Alabama A&M held the advantage in shots 18-9. UAPB keeper Alyssa Cobbs had seven saves to earn the win.
