PINE BLUFF, AR -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's soccer team took a tough loss in their final game of their regular season against the Grambling State Tigers with a final score of 3-2 Friday evening at Pumphrey Stadium.
Coming out in the first half, the Lady Lions started off a bit sluggish against the Lady Tigers but quickly adjusted to the aggressive style of play Grambling State had to offer. UAPB's defense made it rough for Grambling State to get the ball up the field, forcing the possession to change several times throughout the first half.
Freshman sensation Iyanah Hicks got things started for the Lady Lions 11 minutes into the first half scoring the team's first goal assisted from sophomore Evangelia Sandoval-Belmudez and gaining a quick 1-0 lead over the Lady Tigers.
Great goalkeeping from junior Kimberly Moss allowed the Lady Lions to keep their lead over the Lady Tigers and the team would feed from Moss's energy progressing in the first half.
Freshman Cayla Goncalves did a great job for the Lady Lions playing strong on both ends which resulted in her earning a free kick for the Lady Lions and scoring her first collegiate goal from mid-field, giving the Lady Lions a 2-0 lead over Grambling State. The Lady Tigers would not back down however, scoring a goal to close out the first half with a score of 2-1.
In the second half, the Lady Lions gave it their all but just could not convert on each opportunity they had, and Grambling State would feed from those missed opportunities and would tie things up 2-2.
The game came down to the wire as both UAPB and Grambling State were looking to score a point to seal the game and Grambling State would do so, scoring their third goal with five minutes left to gain the lead over UAPB 3-2. The Lady Lions tried to fight back but it was too late.
"I am really pleased with how hard we played today, we just have to learn to finish strong", said UAPB head coach Erik Solberg.
The Lady Lions will prepare for the SWAC Soccer Tournament from April 8th through April 11th. Be sure to check uapblionsroar.com for soccer updates.
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