GREENWOOD, SC – The pre-conference schedule has not been kind to the 2024 Lee University women’s soccer team and first-year coach Lee Hughes. The Lady Flames faced an unbeaten Lander University team (3-0-1) on Saturday afternoon at Van Taylor Stadium and dropped a 2-0 decision.
The loss leaves Lee with a 0-2-2 worksheet as it enters Gulf South Conference play on Friday (5 p.m.) hosting the University of West Alabama and the University of Alabama at Huntsville on Sunday (1 p.m.). Both contests will be played at the Ray Conn Sports Complex.
The Bearcats put a pair of goals on the board in the first half and held the Lady Flames scoreless the entire 90 minutes. Lee was only able to fire five shots and place only two on goal. On the other hand, Lander took 15 shots and had 10 on target.
Ashley Eulo and Jordan Blair had the shots on goal for Lee and Katie Wilson, Addie Chapman and Alex Hale attempted the other shots. Lee keeper Abby Whitcomb allowed two goals but hung tough protecting the net registering eight saves.
Mia Piazza tallied the first goal for the Bearcats at the 5:46 mark in the opening half. Angeie Hill was credited with the assist. The second Lander score came with 21:39 showing on the scoreboard clock in the opening frame. It was an unassisted tally by Katherine Blain.
After being able to get one shot in the entire first half, the Lady Flames fired four in the second stanza. Lander had seven shots in the opening half and six in the second. Lee picked up two penalty kicks and the Bearcats battled for seven. The Lady Flames were whistled for eight fouls and Lander 12. One yellow was given to the Lady Flames.
Coach Lee Hughes’ Thoughts: “If we play the way we did in the second half for the whole game it is a very different outcome. We will keep getting better every day that is for sure.” “I know we are excited to have conference games start, and especially we get to play them at home.”
