DALLAS, Texas – Mariah Mitchell knocked in a second half goal, but the ULM soccer program dropped a 6-1 decision to SMU in its season opener on Friday evening at Westcott Field.
Mitchell, a sophomore from Corona, Calif., took advantage of a miss-communication between the home side's central defender and the goalkeeper and made the turnover count for a score. Under full composure, she placed the ball in the back of the net to cut the deficit to 5-1.
“Jenna Pillon did a great job pressuring that last defender and the goalie to get the ball to pop out. When I saw it come out, I just went for it and chipped it away from the keeper's hands,” said Mitchell.
22 different ULM (0-1) student-athletes saw action in the contest as the Warhawks used several lineups to stay fresh. ULM started nine freshmen in the contest, and 17 newcomers gained experience in the game.
Cameron Stoker played all 90 minutes for the Warhawks and anchored the defense in the middle.
“I felt great. I was a little nervous at first but that went away really fast. We really worked hard and everyone came together tonight. We ended up putting in a goal in the second half and we did a lot of great things,” Stoker said. “We will continue building off what we already have and will be ready for the next game.”
In net, Holly Mallinson and Katherine Werther each made a pair of saves as both goalkeepers saw 45 minutes of action.
The Mustangs (1-0) posted a 9-8-4 record in 2012 and return eight starters from a talented squad that won a game at the Conference USA tournament. They registered goals from Rikki Clarke, Taylor Jackson, Kelsey Gorney, Briana Gaines and two from Shelby Redman.
The contest marked the first-ever game the Warhawks played against the American Athletic Conference.
ULM will be back in action on Sunday when it plays its home opener on at 5:00 p.m. against Grambling State. Admission to the game is free. Follow the ULM soccer team on twitter, @ULM_Soccer, for live in-game updates.
