CLEVELAND, Mississippi – The Lady Statesmen soccer team of Delta State earned their first conference win of the season over Union on Tuesday afternoon. DSU improved to 3-11-2 overall and 1-9-1 in league play.
 
Both squads struggled offensively in the first 45 minutes of play, leaving the score deadlocked at 0-0 going into the half.
 
It was the Green-and-White that got things started after the break. Inside the six-yard box, Tabitha Hayden found Tais Cotta on the far post who booted the ball to the bottom left corner of the net to give Delta State the 1-0 lead at the 55:22 mark.
 
Four minutes later, again inside the six-yard box, Hayden took a shot, but it was redirected into the net by Erin Tucker, her fifth goal of the year. The go-ahead goal gave Delta State the commanding 2-0 lead.
 
The Lady Bulldogs did not go quietly, spoiling the shutout in the 81^st minute. Following a corner kick, Union's Bonna Hardee connected with a one-touch finish on the near post, pulling UU within one goal. The score remained tilted 2-1 in favor of Delta State until the final buzzer.
 
Union owned the slight advantage in shots 14-12, but the two teams were equal in shots on goal with five apiece.
 
Cotta led the way with five shots, two on frame, and one goal, while Tucker contributed three shots, one on frame courtesy of her goal. The duo is now tied for most goals on the year with five. Katie Swaine earned her third win of the season in goal, allowing one goal and snatching four saves.
 
DSU returns to the pitch on Sunday, Nov. 2 against North Alabama to close out the regular season. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Delta Field.