MONROE, La. – A hard-fought battle just didn't end in favor of the ULM soccer program on opening day as Louisiana Tech took a 2-1 result on Friday evening in front of a record-breaking crowd of 465 fans at ULM Soccer Complex.
ULM (0-1) trailed 1-0 in the first half when junior Mary Ashton Lembo came through with a soaring header to level the score, 1-1 in the 18th minute. It came off a set pieces play as junior Whitney Tuckfield placed one perfectly into the center of the box and Lembo lifted the header over the keeper and into the back of the net.
It marked the second career goal for Lembo and the fourth career assist for Tuckfield.
The teams entered the break tied 1-1, but Louisiana Tech (1-0) got an early strike from Mylene Roy-Ouellet two minutes into the second frame to jump back ahead, 2-1. The shot came from the left side of the penalty box and was fired into the top left corner of the net.
The Warhawks had a few opportunities late in the game, but the Lady Techsters were able to hang on to the result.
“It was a very intense, competitive game all the way through. It was great to see 26 of our girls play today and it gave us a chance to get a feel for our team. We will learn from our mistakes and come back strong,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza.
LA Tech's first goal was scored by Kathryn Sloan in the ninth minute on a breakaway.
“We also have to keep in mind that we didn't play a pushover team. We played a team that made it to the Conference USA semifinals last year and it was very even for nearly the entire game today. We gained a lot of experience and will use it moving forward,” Mazza said.
Senior Karlea Fehr registered a team-high three shots for the Warhawks while Lembo tallied two, both on goal. Also recording shots for the Warhawks were juniors Jenna Pillon, Amanda Borstelmann, Kylie Kukowski, Nancy Kirk and Tuckfield.
In net, Brooke-Lynn Scroggins (0-1) made eight saves in her first collegiate appearance. Kylee Seto (1-0) picked up the win for the Lady Techsters after stopping four shots.
The Warhawks held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out to this game. It was great to play in front of such a large crowd and have so many people interested in soccer in Northeast Louisiana,” Mazza said.
ULM broke its previous attendance record of 383 set on Oct. 20, 2013 in a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Texas State.
The Warhawks will be back at it on Sunday when they close out the weekend at home against McNeese State at 3:00 p.m.
