TROY, Ala. – The ULM soccer team (7-3, 1-0 Sun Belt) claimed a road win Friday night over Troy (4-3-1, 0-1 Sun Belt), their first win in Sun Belt play. With a lone goal from Mara Grutkamp and four saves from Jennifer Handy, the Warhawks are entering conference play on top.
 
ULM and Troy remained evenly matched throughout the first half, tying in shots 6-6. In the 27^th minute, Grutkamp shot a laser in the back of the net, taking the lead 1-0 for the Warhawks, 1-0. This was the senior's fourth goal of the season and 16^th of her career.
 
The second half was the shining point for the Warhawk defense, with Handy claiming two saves and multiple blocked kicks from defenders maintaining the ULM lead. The Trojans did have a few opportunities, including three corner kicks in the half, but the ULM defenders were able to stall scoring opportunities.
 
The Trojans led in shots and corner kicks, 14-10 and 5-3, respectively. The Warhawks took the lead in shots on goal, 5-4. Grutkamp led ULM in shots with three, with Jensyn Lins in second with two. Handy and Trojan goalkeeper Une Georgsen remained even, each credited with four saves apiece.
 
With this clean sheet, the Warhawks are tied for second in shutouts and have broken the record for clean sheet wins in a season with six. Handy moves into fifth place with her fourth shutout of the season. Grutkamp is now fourth in game-winning goals (5) and seventh in career goals (16).
 
The Warhawks remain on the road for their second Sun Belt match of the season, taking on Old Dominion on Thursday. Kickoff in Norfolk, Va. is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST.