MONROE, La. – In its final tune-up game before Sun Belt Conference play, sophomore Mary Ashton Lembo scored in the 81st minute to lift the ULM soccer program to a 1-0 victory over Central Arkansas on Sunday at the ULM Soccer Complex.
The ULM (6-3-1) goal came on a set pieces play after redshirt-sophomore Antonia Land sent in a high ball, over the defender's heads from midfield. Lembo was perfectly positioned for the finish into the left side.
“This was a great game today. I am very proud of our girls. We fought for 90 minutes against a very good UCA team,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza.
The Warhawks wrapped up non-conference play with six victories, the most since 2005.
“This was an important win for the program heading into conference play. It builds confidence for our young group and we will be ready to play next weekend,” Mazza said.
With her fourth shutout of the season, sophomore goalkeeper Katherine Werther ran her record to a perfect 5-0. She made eight saves in the game, including a big one in the second half where she was left one-on-one with a defender and came out charging.
Werther, Lembo and Land were three of six ULM student-athletes that played 90 minutes which also included senior Cerene Arsenault and sophomores Nancy Kirk and Whitney Tuckfield.
On offense, sophomore Jenna Pillon registered a game-high five shots while Lembo and junior Karlea Fehr fired three apiece. ULM out-shot UCA 16-15 and held an 11-7 edge in corner kicks.
“I give a lot of credit to our entire team today for working hard and keeping the clean sheet. We are getting better each game, and more importantly, the girls feel the same way,” Mazza said.
For UCA (4-3-1), Anna Hughes (4-3-1) took the loss in net after blocking 10 shots. Alex Moore, Vanessa Randall and Allie Coleman recorded three shots each.
ULM swept its home weekend and enters SBC play one a two-game winning streak. It improved to 5-2-1 all-time against UCA.
The Warhawks will begin conference action when they host Georgia Southern at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. They will conclude the weekend at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday against Georgia State.
Follow the ULM soccer program on twitter, @ULM_Soccer, for live in-game updates. Support the Warhawks through participating in the Athletic Foundation, you can join the ULMAF by calling 318-342-5415.
