MOBILE, Ala. — The Delta State University women's soccer team fell 1-0 to Spring Hill College on Saturday afternoon at Library Field, as an early goal proved to be the difference in the match.
Spring Hill's Madison Hitzman scored just 36 seconds into the contest to give the Badgers an early advantage. Despite the early setback, the Lady Statesmen battled throughout the match and generated several opportunities to find the equalizer.
Delta State (6-4-4, 5-2-3 Gulf South Conference) finished with an 11-8 advantage in shots and earned six corner kicks compared with two for Spring Hill. The Lady Statesmen recorded five shots on goal, matching the Badgers' five saves, but were unable to break through against goalkeeper Ava Bell.
Mariela Dolan led Delta State with five shots, including one on target, while
Avery Hooker recorded three shots, putting two on goal.
Janya Gonzalez added a shot on target, and
Bryleigh Taylor also put a shot on frame as the Lady Statesmen continued to pressure the Badgers late in the contest.
Goalkeeper
Kim Bircher played all 90 minutes for Delta State and finished with five saves, keeping the Lady Statesmen within striking distance after Spring Hill's opening goal.
The Lady Statesmen increased their attacking pressure in the second half, recording seven shots after the break. Delta State continued to create opportunities through Dolan, Hooker, Gonzalez and Taylor, but Spring Hill maintained its one-goal lead through the final whistle.
Spring Hill improved to 5-4-5 overall and 4-2-4 in conference play.
The Lady Statesmen will finish the regular season this upcoming Friday on the road as they take on the Lady Flames from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn.
