MONROE, La. –
The ULM soccer team (6-1) is on the road, taking on Oklahoma (5-1) on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in Norman. The Warhawks are looking to come back after a loss to No. 13 Oklahoma State, 0-6.
SERIES HISTORY –
This is the first meeting between the Warhawks and the Sooners. ULM is 0-10-1 versus current SEC members, tying with LSU in 2002. The last time ULM competed against an SEC opponent, it was last season at Mississippi State, losing the match 0-1.
SCOUTING THE SOONERS –
Oklahoma is looking to build on their three-game winning streak, after beating Missouri State at home, 8-0. Forward Ella Pappas logged a hat trick in the game. The Sooners are still finding their place in their first season in the SEC, placing 13th in the preseason coaches poll. Their lone loss was also to Oklahoma State, 0-1. In 2023, the Sooners finished 8-10-2 in their final season in the Big 12, making it to the quarterfinal of the Big 12 Championship.
ULM VS. THE POWER FIVE –
ULM has never beat a Power Five opponent in program history, though they have taken on their fair share. The Warhawks have posted one tie vs. a Power Five opponent, vs. in-state foe LSU, going to double overtime in 2001. The last time the Warhawks took on a Power Five opponent was Sunday, when No. 13 Oklahoma State hosted ULM and beat them, 0-6.
LAST TIME OUT –
STILLWATER, Okla. – The ULM soccer team fell to No. 13 Oklahoma State on the road, 0-6. The Warhawks ended their unbeaten streak for the season after multiple Cowgirl goals and a red card sent Jennifer Handy off the field.
In the 20th minute, Logan Heausler put Oklahoma State in the lead. Just seven minutes later, Xcaret Pineda extended the Cowgirls' lead, 2-0. In the 33rd minute, goalkeeper Handy got a red card, giving Emerson Roberts the opportunity to enter the match.
In the 55th minute, Heausler made the tally 3-0. Just over 10 minutes later, Oklahoma State's Laudan Wilson got in on the scoring action, extending the lead 4-0. In the 79th minute, Nicole Ray added to the tally with the fifth goal. In the 85th minute, Mabry Williams also got in on the action, making the score 6-0.
Roberts continued to show her power in goal throughout the match, six saves in the match. Mara Grutkamp led the charge for ULM with two shots, both on target.
SPREADING THE WEALTH –
13 different Warhawks have scored a goal over the first seven matches of the season and 14 have earned points. In the Aug. 15 season opener vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, seven different ULM players scored a goal. Kai Douglas and Mara Grutkamp lead the pack, with Douglas' four goals and Grutkamp's three goals and two assists. The lone freshman to factor into points is Beth Strutton, earning two points in her first career goal vs. Grambling State. In the 2023 season, 16 different Warhawks factored into points. Inge Konst led with 25 (10 goals, five assists) and 2024 captains Grutkamp (two goals, seven assists) and Skylar Blaise (four goals, three assists) tied for second, each having 11.
FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –
Thursday's match will be streamed on SEC Network+ on ESPN and live stats will be available. Links to live stats and video streams for all matches, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com.
LOOKING AHEAD –
ULM soccer will return to Monroe to host Central Arkansas on Sunday. The Warhawks and the Bears will kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday. This will be ULM's final non-conference opponent before preparing for Sun Belt play.
