Box Score FLORENCE, Ala.— The Lady Statesmen soccer team hit the road to face North Alabama Thursday night looking to pick up their first conference win. The match remained close throughout, but the Lady Statesmen fell 1-0 for the third straight match.

The first half went by without any one getting on the board. The Lions went on the attack early, but could not finish. The Lady Statesmen (2-7, 0-3 GSC), took two shots in the first 45 minutes, but like the Lions couldn't get anything into the back of the net.

The Lions (7-2, 1-0 GSC), were finally able to break the deadlock early in the second half. Jennifer Osmond was able to score off an assist from Nikki Brown in the 61st minute.  That would be all the Lions would need, as they picked up the 1-0 victory.

The Lady Statesmen did not put anything on goal in the second half. The Lions finished with 27 shots, with 12 of their strikes being on goal.

Even in defeat, freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Elling played well for the Lady Statesmen. Elling gave up the one goal, but also kept the game close by making 11 saves. Elling came into the match ranked 10th in NCAA Div. II in saves with 60.

Alex McLay picked up the win for the Lions. McLay stopped both Lady Statesmen shots en route to the clean sheet.

The Lions held a distinct advantage over the Lady Statesmen in corner kicks. The Lions were able to take 12 corners, while the Lady Statesmen did not take a corner in the match.  The Lady Statesmen were whistled for nine fouls, and booked once. Sophomore Payten Pearson was given a yellow card in the 88th minute. The Lions were called for five fouls, and were also booked by the referee once. Abbey Hallem was given a yellow card in the 52nd minute.

The Statesmen will look to get back on track as they return for their first home game in a month. The Lady Statesmen will host West Alabama Saturday, Oct. 8 at Delta Field. The Match will get underway at 1:00 pm., and will be available on the Statesmen Radio Network beginning at 12:55 pm.