MONROE, La. – Inge Konst scored three times, all in the second half, as ULM defeated Texas A&M-Commerce, 3-0, to take the season opener Sunday night at Lion Soccer Field.
Konst's hat trick is the ninth in program history and fourth since
Sean Fraser took over as head coach prior to the 2020-21 season, joining
Janet Stopka (vs. UT Tyler, Feb. 3, 2021) and
Courtney Marten, who accomplished the feat twice (at Coastal Carolina, Sept. 26, 2021; vs. Alcorn, Sept. 10, 2021).
The two sides played a scoreless first half with ULM (1-0) unable to capitalize on four shots on goal, including a pair by
Eve Blakey. However,
Mickaela Leal made three saves in the half to keep the match level at the break.
In the second half, Konst opened the scoring in the 68th minute, finding the bottom left of the goal off the right foot, thanks to an assist by Kédie Johnson. The Warhawks jumped out in front, 1-0.
In the 74th minute,
Lucia Lobato drew a foul inside the top of the penalty box. Konst converted the penalty kick, doubling the Warhawk lead to 2-0.
In the 81st minute, Konst sealed the hat trick, again finding the bottom left of the goal off the right foot with an assist to
Mara Grutkamp, completing the ULM advantage at 3-0.
Leal made six saves for her third career shutout in five starts.
The Warhawks outshot the Lions (0-2), 20-13, with ULM putting 10 shots on frame to six for TAMUC.
ULM heads to Alcorn State at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
