MONROE, La. – The ULM Warhawks defeated the Grambling State Tigers 3-1 on Thursday night to start the season 3-0, a feat that has not been achieved since 2014, when they opened the season 4-0. In a foul-ridden match, neighborhood foes Grambling State scored first before falling to the Warhawks.
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The first half started strong for the Warhawks, asÂ
Skylar Blaise logged the first shot of the night. But the tides turned as Grambling's Cindy Norfles scored in the 18
th minute. After Grambling tallied three fouls following the goal, senior midfielderÂ
Mara Grutkamp was able to capitalize, scoring her third goal of the season and the equalizer in the match. The assist came fromÂ
Vanessa Praher, posting her second assist of the season and third in her career.
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The foul-ridden half continued, as Grambling acquired three fouls and a yellow card, ULM also getting a foul in ten minutes. In the 29
th minute, Grutkamp took a corner kick that gave freshmanÂ
Beth Strutton the opportunity to head it into the goal, the Warhawks leading 2-1. This was Strutton's first career goal, and Grutkamp's first assist of the season.Â
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The fouls continued in the second half, with both teams racking up nine. In the 71
st minute, Praher turned a Tiger foul into an opportunity, extending the Warhawk lead 3-1. This was the sophomore's first second career goal and first on the season. The goal was assisted by Grutkamp again, notching her second of the game and the season. This assist puts the senior captain at 20 in her career, now only four away from tying the record set by Karlea Fehr (24, 2012-15).
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ULM edged Grambling State in shots, 10-7 in the match. Praher, Grutkamp and
Jensyn Lins led the Warhawks with two shots apiece. Jen Handy took care of business in the second half, recording three saves. Tiger goalkeeper Madison Covey-Taylor also recorded three saves on the night. Both teams loaded on a combined total of 29 fouls for the night, 15 for the Tigers and 14 for the Warhawks.
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The Warhawks remain home this weekend, taking on Nicholls at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Brown Stadium.
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