MONROE, La. - ULM jumped out to a quick lead against Arkansas State, but it wasn't enough as the Warhawks fell to the Red Wolves, 3-1.
"Tonight's performance was one of the best performances we've had all season," head coach Keyton Wheelock said. "We missed some opportunities, but we were doing everything right that we had practiced."
ULM (3-4-1) raced out of the gate quickly, attacking the Red Wolves' defensive with everything they had. At the nine minute mark, Erika Wiest passed the ball perfectly to Taylor Altieri. Altieri shot a laser into the back of the net to give the Warhawks a 1-0 lead.
Arkansas State (5-3) started to mount an attack, but goalie Rian Kasner was there to make some terrific saves.
"Rian had one of the best games and sessions I've ever seen from her tonight," Wheelock said. "She made some phenomenal saves."
The Red Wolves' leading scorer, Sarah Sodoma, raced down the field and took a shot at the 32 minute mark to score and tie the game, 1-1.
Both teams would fight all the way until halftime, but neither team could capitalize on opportunities.
As the second half started, Mackenzie Bell took charge for the Warhawks and fired a shot that was saved by Megan McClure. Arkansas State began to pressure ULM, but the Bailey Botkin and Alexiss Trudeau led defensive held strong and kept the ball in play.
"Our defense has been fantastic lately," Wheelock said. "We're extremely deep in those positions."
However, Sophia Restrepo was able to break free and score a goal to give the Red Wolves a 2-1 lead.
Restrepo wasn't done yet and scored another goal 14 minutes later to give Arkansas State a 3-1 lead.
ULM tried to mount a comeback, but it fell short and the Warhawks lost their first conference match of the season, 3-1.
ULM will turn around and travel to Alabama for a matchup on Sunday with Alabama A&M. The match will start at 1 p.m.
"These girls want to fight and to win and they'll do whatever it takes," Wheelock said.
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