LAKE CHARLES, La. – The ULM soccer team made a late push in the last 15 minutes of the game, but the McNeese State defense was able to hang on as the Warhawks fell 1-0 on Sunday at Cowgirl Field.
The Cowgirls (3-1) scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute. After a centering pass from the right side, McNeese's Tori Lasiter converted with a shot from the edge of the penalty box in the center. The finish was in the top left corner.
With 13 minutes left, ULM (1-4) had its best chance off a corner kick. Karlea Fehr placed it into the middle of the zone, and after a few bounces Allie Dickson put a shot on but the keeper was able to knock it out.
Fehr, who was named to the Sun Belt All-Conference Preseason team, put a late shot on with nine minutes left but it sailed just high. The Warhawks had a couple additional chances in the closing minutes, but after an offside call and a couple clears by McNeese, the Cowgirls were able to hold ULM off.
Cameron Stoker, Amanda Borstelmann and Nancy Kirk played all 90 minutes for ULM. The Warhawks started nine freshmen in the game. Kylie Kukowski and Jenna Floyd each registered a shot on goal in the game.
Holly Mallinson played the whole way as goalkeeper and made five saves. In the first half, she saved a goal when a Cowgirl attacker had an open run down the left side. Mallinson came out charging, and after cutting the angle, she cleanly put both hands on the ball for the stop.
“We worked very hard and it was a battle out there. Even though we lost 1-0 you can see so much from our players,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza. “We're going to be good. We're young right now but there's going to be a lot of exciting things happening here.”
The Warhawks will return home on Friday, Sept. 6 at 6:00 p.m. against Arkansas Pine-Bluff in the first of a four-game homestand.
