WASHINGTON, D.C. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lady Lions soccer team dropped its first Southwestern Athletic Conference match of the season with a 3-0 loss against Howard University.

The Lady Lions gave up three first half goals, including an own goal in the 33rd minute of the match. UAPB goalkeeper Sariah Orocu finished the game with a team-high five saves while fellow Lady Lion Rebecca Holmes led the team with two shots on goal.

"I don't think I can accurately convey my level of dissatisfaction with our performance today," said UAPB Head Coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. "We didn't show up in the manner we are capable of, and that falls on my shoulders. We weren't good in any facet of the game today and we played in a style that was contrary to who we are as a team and as a program, and you have to give Howard credit for forcing us to do that. Howard has solid team spirit and play for each other."

Both Cierra Fenwick and Karissa Fenwick managed a shot on goal while teammates Tyler Babb and Shannon Seymour also added pressure with a shot on goal apiece.

As a team Howard produced eight shots in both the first and second half while UAPB generated three shots in each half.

"As the coach of the team I failed to prepare the team properly, because when a team of mine comes out flat, that's a problem because if anything, we are a passionate bunch and we were far from the manifestation of that kind of intangible expression that so often is the difference between winning and losing," Flogaites added. "It's a bitter pill to swallow but such is futbol and life from time to time. This makes the upcoming weekend massive. We have to play like we understand the importance, because we just squandered the opportunity at Howard.  We are good enough, but we have to believe it daily, not just when things are going smoothly. I'll be a better coach for this team moving forward and I accept that whatever I did to get us ready for today missed the mark." 

UAPB (1-4-1, 1-1-1 SWAC) returns to action on Friday, October 5 as it travels to Mississippi to take on Jackson State University in SWAC action. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.