CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The Delta State University women's soccer team fell 2-0 to a nationally ranked Lee University, Friday evening at the Ray Conn Sports Complex.
The Lady Statesmen (6-5-4, 5-3-3 Gulf South Conference) battled through a scoreless first half before the Lady Flames (11-1-3, 8-1-2 GSC) found the back of the net twice in the second half.
Delta State goalkeeper
Kim Bircher kept the Lady Statesmen in the match, recording six saves while facing 19 shots from Lee. The Lady Flames held a 7-1 advantage in shots during the opening half, but Bircher and the Delta State defense kept the match scoreless heading into the break.
Lee broke through in the 64th minute when Megan Davis scored an unassisted goal to give the Lady Flames a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Statesmen continued to battle as they looked for an equalizer, but Lee extended its advantage in the 80th minute. Audrey O'Meara finished a pass from Whitney Carrigan to make it 2-0.
Delta State generated three shots in the second half, including attempts on target by
Avery Allison and
Janya Gonzalez, but Lee goalkeeper Abby Whitcomb turned away both opportunities to preserve the shutout.
Lola Cunningham also recorded a shot on target in the first half, while
Avery Hooker added a late attempt. Whitcomb finished with three saves for the Lady Flames.
Lee finished with a 19-4 advantage in shots and a 6-4 edge in corner kicks. Delta State maintained 43% possession and earned four corner kicks while continuing to compete throughout the match.
The Lady Statesmen will enter postseason play as they will be a part of the Gulf South Conference Championship Tournament as they will face an opponent to be determined at a spot to be determined on Sunday November 1
st.
